DHAKA, Nov 15, 2018(BSS)- Once again it was a clinical performance by the Tigers’ spinners that helped Bangladesh record a massive 218-run victory over Zimbabwe in the second and final Test to level the Test series 1-1.
Chasing a massive winning target of 443 runs set by Bangladesh at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium at Mirpur, Zimbabwe today resumed their second innings on the fifth day and finally dismissed at 224 despite a fighting unbeaten ton by batsman Brendon Taylor.
Thanks to Mehidy Hasan for his five-wicket haul that helped Bangladesh register the much-needed victory after the hosts lost the first Test in Sylhet.
It was once again Brendan Taylor, the centurion of the first innings, who stood between Bangladesh and a victory, completed his second hundred in this match scoring an unbeaten knock of 106 runs off 167 balls laced with ten boundaries, but hit ton merely reduced the defeat margin as the Tigers’ spinners picked up wickets in regular intervals.
Bangladesh went lunch with 161 for 4 with Taylor and Moor on the crease.
But, after the lunch break, the Tigers spinners came down heavily as Mehidy Hasan broke the important 64-run partnership between Moor and Taylor.
After losing Moor’s wicket, Regis Chakabva was run out as Zimbabwe tried to sneak in a cheeky single and lost their sixth wicket.
Mehidy got one to turn slightly after pitching and Moor hung his bat to it and got a slight inside edge which was caught by Imrul Kayes at silly point after an initial crumble.
Taylor kept his nerve cool keeping his wicket unhurt, but he did not get support from other end after the Tigers’s spinners ran through the Zimbabwe middle orders after the post lunch session.
Zimbabwe lost their last five wickets adding only 63 runs in the scoreboard.
Earlier, resuming their second innings on the fifth day with overnight score at 76 for 2, Zimbabwe added 85 runs in the first session losing two wickets.
Mustafizur Rahman got the early morning breakthrough removing Sean Williams for 13 while Taijul Islam got his second of the innings as he sent Sikandar Raza back to pavilion for 12, leaving Zimbabwe in trouble.
Miraz, the wrecker in-chief, caused the major damage for Zimbabwe with an impressive figure of 5 for 38 while Taijul Islam supported him with 2 wickets for 93 runs.
Besides, Mustafizur Rahman took 1 for 19.
Mushfiqur Rahim was named the player of the match for his impressive batting performance while Taijul Islam was given the player of the series award for his brilliant bowling performance.
Brief score:
Bangladesh 1st innings – 522 for 7(dec), Mushfiqur 219 n.o, Mominul 161,
Mehidy 68 n.o, Mahmudullah 36, Jarvis 5/71, Chatara 1/34 and Tiripano 1/65.
2nd innings – 224 for 6 (dec.), Mahmudullah 101 batting, Mithun 67,
Mehidy 27 batting, Jarvis 2/27, Tiripono 2/31
Zimbabwe 1st innings – 304 for all, Taylor 110, Moor 83, Chari 53,
Masakadza 14, Taijul 5/107 and Mehidy 3/61.
2nd innings – 224 for all, Taylor 106, Chari 43, Masakadza 25, Moor 13,
Mehidy 5/38, Taijul 2/93, Mustafizur 1/19.