Bangladesh Crush Zim to Level Series

Witness Runodada- Zim Now Reporter

Bangladesh secured a commanding victory over Zimbabwe in the second Test at Chattogram, winning by an innings and 106 runs to draw the two-match series 1–1.

A stellar all-round performance, highlighted by Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s century and five-wicket haul, ensured the hosts bounced back emphatically after losing the opening Test.

Resuming the third day on 291 for seven, with Miraz unbeaten on 16 and Taijul Islam on five, Bangladesh extended their dominance through a frustrating 63-run eighth-wicket stand.

Zimbabwe’s bowlers, led by debutant Vincent Masekesa, struggled to make inroads early in the day. Taijul eventually fell for 20, stumped off Masekesa’s bowling after being deceived in flight.

However, it was the ninth-wicket partnership between Miraz and number 10 Tanzim Hasan Sakib that truly took the game away from the visitors. The pair added a crucial 96 runs, with Sakib contributing a valuable 41 off 80 balls before falling to Wessly Madhevere.

Miraz, showing composure and class, went on to complete a gritty century — scoring 104 off 162 balls with 11 boundaries and a six — before he too was stumped, again off the impressive Masekesa.

Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 444, amassing a hefty first-innings lead of 217. Masekesa stood out for Zimbabwe, taking five for 115 in an admirable debut performance, though he received little support from the rest of the bowling attack.

In reply, Zimbabwe faltered from the outset. Brian Bennett was caught at slip off Taijul Islam for six, and Nick Welch was trapped lbw just two balls later. Sean Williams attempted to stabilise the innings but fell to Nayeem Hasan for seven. Ben Curran was the only batter to show resistance, crafting a resilient 46 off 103 balls.

He shared a promising 47-run stand with captain Craig Ervine, who made 25 before being dismissed by Miraz in a bid to counterattack.

Zimbabwe's collapse then accelerated. Miraz decimated the middle order with three quick wickets — Ervine, Madhevere, and wicketkeeper Tsiga — in the space of just eight deliveries, reducing the visitors to 73 for six.

Wellington Masakadza added a brief 10 before falling, and once Curran was dismissed edging to the keeper off Miraz, the end came swiftly. The Zimbabwean tail folded for 111, with Miraz claiming five for 32 and Taijul Islam taking three for 42.

After the match, Zimbabwe head coach Justin Sammons acknowledged the challenge his team faces on subcontinental pitches.

“When the conditions suit us, we definitely match up. But in conditions like this — turning tracks and slower pitches — we still have a lot to learn,” he said.

Despite a spirited five-wicket debut by Masekesa and a gritty knock from Curran, Zimbabwe were thoroughly outplayed. The defeat underscored their ongoing struggles against quality spin — a recurring issue noted by fans and pundits alike.

As one Zimbabwean fan put it on social media, “We usually get undone by one spin bowler from every team. Is it psychological, or are we just not equipped?”

Bangladesh, on the other hand, will take great confidence from this resounding victory, with the spin duo of Miraz and Taijul proving too strong. With the series levelled, both teams will now turn their attention to upcoming fixtures as they seek greater consistency in Test cricket.