Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE went from booming to bust on Day One of the second Test against Bangladesh — blowing a golden start to finish a shaky 227/9 at stumps.
After looking solid at 161/2 going into the final session, the Chevrons collapsed like a deck of cards after Tea, losing seven wickets for just 66 runs in a brutal 34-over spell that handed the day firmly to the Tigers.
Craig Ervine had earlier won the toss and chose to bat, making two changes from the side that won in Sylhet — handing a debut to Vincent Masekesa and recalling Tafadzwa Tsiga for Nyasha Mayavo.
It started promisingly enough.
Brain Bennett fell for 21 early, followed by fellow opener Ben Curran for the same score — but a strong partnership between Sean Williams and Nick Welch had Zimbabwe dreaming big again.
The pair put together a 90-run stand, swinging momentum Zimbabwe’s way. Welch, however, retired hurt on 54, his second Test half-ton, and when he returned to the crease he couldn’t add another run — bowled out for the same score.
Williams, who top scored with a gritty 67 off 166 balls, held firm for a while — but once he fell, the floodgates opened.
Taijul Islam turned tormentor-in-chief for Bangladesh, snapping up 5/60 in 27 overs. Nayeem Hasan chipped in with 2/42, while Tanzim Hasan Sakib grabbed another wicket to complete the late-day rout.
When play resumes at 6AM tomorrow, it will be Tsiga (18)* and Muzarabani (2)* trying to rescue what’s left of the innings.
Can the Chevrons fight back? Or has the Tiger’s bite already left its mark?
Follow all the drama right here with B-Metro Sport!
@brandon_malvin
