Taijul Islam’s Five-For Sparks Zimbabwe Collapse on Day One of Second Test in Chattogram

Taijul Islam’s Five-For Sparks Zimbabwe Collapse on Day One of Second Test in Chattogram

Bangladesh's left-arm spinner Taijul Islam produced a sensational spell to trigger a dramatic Zimbabwe batting collapse on the opening day of the second Test at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. Taijul claimed his 16th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, finishing with figures of 5 for 60, as Zimbabwe crumbled from a promising position to close the day at 227 for 9.

Zimbabwe had looked comfortable at 200 for 4 during the third session, with half-centuries from Sean Williams (67) and Nick Welch (54) setting the foundation. However, Taijul ripped through the middle and lower order with three quick wickets, aided by a run-out, to wrest back control for Bangladesh.

Welch, who retired hurt due to cramps shortly after tea, returned late in the innings only to be bowled by Taijul — his fifth scalp of the day. Offspinner Nayeem Hasan chipped in with two wickets, while debutant fast bowler Tanzim Hasan Sakib took his maiden Test wicket.

Zimbabwe’s innings began on a positive note, with Brian Bennett hitting five boundaries in the opening ten overs. He was dismissed for 23 by Tanzim, caught behind while attempting a drive. Ben Curran and Welch then launched a counterattack, each striking sixes to put Bangladesh under pressure.

Curran's knock ended when he inside-edged a delivery from Taijul onto his stumps for 21, but Welch and Williams steadied the innings with a patient 94-run partnership for the third wicket. Williams played fluently, hitting six boundaries and a six, before he was caught brilliantly by Tanzim off Nayeem for 67 off 166 balls.

The hosts tightened the screws in the final session, conceding just 18 runs in the first 16 overs. Wessly Madhevere offered some resistance with a few boundaries, but Taijul’s delivery that turned away slightly dismissed him for 15.

Zimbabwe's lower order then crumbled under pressure. Taijul struck twice in the same over with the second new ball, removing Wellington Masakadza and Richard Ngarava. Tafadzwa Tsiga was run-out following a mix-up, before Welch, returning from cramps, was bowled to complete Taijul’s five-wicket haul.

Bangladesh will now look to wrap up the innings quickly on day two, with Zimbabwe having only one wicket remaining and trailing expectations after a strong start.

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