DHAKA, Feb 22, 2020 (BSS) – Despite a dominating century of Craig Ervine,
Bangladesh bowlers, led by a unrelenting Nayeem Hasan hit back in style to
put the side on top over Zimbabwe on day one of the solitary Test against
Zimbabwe at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium here on Saturday.
The off-spinner Nayeem Hasan, who was chosen over Mehidy Hasan Miraz,
claimed 4-68 in 36 overs, including the wicket of Ervine at the fag end of
the day as Zimbabwe reached 228-6.
Nayeem was ably supported by pace bowler Abu Jayed Rahi’s 2-51 on a day,
what looked to have been the Zimbabwe’s day after stand-in captain Ervine
kept the side ticking almost throughout the day.
Ervine was dismissed at the penultimate over of the day after hitting
107 off 227, his third Test century, sending the ball across the rope 13
times. With the crucial wicket, Bangladesh exposed the tail of the Zimbabwe,
abating the visitors’ complete domination on the opening day of the Test.
After Ervine opted to bat first, Zimbabwe openers Kevin Kasuza and
Prince Masvaure started watchfully, allowing new ball bowlers-Abu Jayed Rahi
and Ebabdat deliver four maiden overs.
Rahi however got the reward of his persistence as he had Kasuza caught
by Nayeem at gully for 2, with a perfect outswinger
But Ervine and Masvaure put the pressure on Bangladesh, keeping them
unscathed through the first session.
Nayeem Hasan who came to bowl in the 11th over was given a marathon
spell, including the whole post lunch session that saw him delivered 32 overs
in a row.
Vastly due to his accurate line and length alongside Rahi, he was given
the marathon spell but he didn’t disappoint and more pleasing factor for
Bangladesh, he didn’t feel fatigued.
In his 32-over spell, he took three wickets and also stemmed run flow,
to ensure that Zimbabwe would never boss Bangladesh despite losing less
number of wickets. He and Rahi indeed was the reason that Zimbabwe never
could score freely, something what gave Bangladesh a hope to bowl the
visitors out below 300 runs in first innings.
Nayeem broke through with the wicket of Masvaure, who made 64 off 152
with nine fours, bringing an end to the 111-run partnership with Ervine.
Shortly after that, he got the better of seasoned campaigner Brendan
Taylor for 10, who dragged one onto his stump after trying to a reverse-
sweep.
Sikandar Raza who made 18, was the last wicket in Nayeem’s 32-over spell
after which he was taken off from the bowling.
Just one over before the new ball is available, Bangladesh got another
crucial breakthrough through Rahi, who dismissed Timycen Maruma for 7 but
still they were not in control, vastly due to Ervine’s assured presence in
the crease.
Nayeem them came back for his second spell and immediately gave
Bangladesh what they expected passionately as he claimed the big wicket of
Ervine.
Before the bails were drawn for day one, Regis Chakabva, the last
recognized batsman of Zimbabwe side was batting on 7, with Donald Tiripano
who is yet to score.