Taijul shines but Zimbabwe in the driver’s seat

Taijul Islam once again emerged as Bangladesh’s lone bright spot, claiming the third-best figures of his Test career with a fighting seven-wicket haul in Harare on Monday. But his heroics were overshadowed by another underwhelming performance from the Tigers as Zimbabwe piled up 410 in their first innings to take a commanding 270-run lead.

Having collapsed for just 140 on the opening day, Bangladesh had pinned their hopes on a pace attack comprising Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed and returning seamer Ebadot Hossain to exploit the lively conditions. Instead, Zimbabwe’s batters dictated proceedings throughout the second day.

Resuming on 76 without loss, Zimbabwe were led by Innocent Kaia, who struck his maiden Test century with a composed 140, punishing anything overpitched or short. Khaled, the most effective of Bangladesh’s seamers, provided the early breakthrough when Brendon Taylor edged behind for 17.

Hasan and Ebadot produced occasional threatening deliveries but struggled for consistency, repeatedly releasing the pressure with loose lines and lengths. Hasan returned figures of 0 for 102, while Ebadot conceded 96 runs without a wicket at an economy rate of 4.80.

It was Taijul who finally wrestled back some control. The left-arm spinner broke the 107-run fourth-wicket stand by dismissing Brian Bennett for 59 with a sharp caught-and-bowled chance before luring Kaia into a top-edge shortly after he reached 140.

Taijul then ran through the lower order to finish with 7 for 138, his 19th five-wicket haul in Tests, drawing level with Shakib Al Hasan for the most Test fifers by a Bangladesh bowler. His spell also became the best bowling figures by a Bangladeshi in an away Test, surpassing Shakib’s 6 for 33 against the West Indies in Kingston.

Wesley Madhevere remained unbeaten on 77 as Zimbabwe were eventually dismissed for 410.

Bangladesh’s second innings began positively in their bid to avoid an innings defeat. Although Shadman Islam fell for nine, Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Mominul Haque guided the visitors to 40 for 1 at stumps.

With three days remaining, Bangladesh still trail by 230 runs and face a daunting task to save the Test.