In a thrilling contest at Chattogram, Bangladesh showcased their resilience and skill as they battled against Zimbabwe in the second Test match, aiming to level the series after a disappointing defeat in the opener. The match, which began on April 28, 2025, saw Bangladesh making several strategic changes, including the return of Anamul Haque to Test cricket after a three-year absence.
Bangladesh's head coach Phil Simmons opted for a more aggressive approach by including five specialist bowlers, a departure from their previous tactics that typically favored a batting-heavy lineup. This decision was influenced by the spin-friendly conditions expected on the Chattogram pitch, which was anticipated to favor their left-arm spinners.
Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to bat first, but their innings quickly unraveled against a determined Bangladesh bowling attack. The day belonged to left-arm spinner Taijul Islam, who delivered a stunning performance, claiming five wickets for just 60 runs. Taijul's achievement marked his 16th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, further solidifying his reputation as a key player for Bangladesh.
Zimbabwe got off to a decent start with Nick Welch and Sean Williams each contributing half-centuries, scoring 54 and 50 runs, respectively. However, the visitors faced a dramatic collapse as Taijul struck with the second delivery of his spell, dismissing Ben Curran, who managed only 21 runs. The situation worsened for Zimbabwe when they lost both openers in quick succession, leaving them struggling at 227 for nine by the end of the first day.
Despite the early wickets, Welch and Williams steadied the ship, but their dismissals triggered a rapid decline in the batting order. Taijul's spell was particularly devastating, as he claimed four wickets in the final session, including the important scalp of Welch. With the tailenders Blessing Muzarabani and Tafadzwa Tsiga holding firm, Zimbabwe managed to survive until the close of play, but they were left with much to ponder as they ended the day in a precarious position.
On the other side, Bangladesh's batting lineup featured the returning Anamul Haque, who had recently dominated the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League with four centuries. His selection was a crucial move after the team’s disappointing performance in the first Test, where they struggled to find form. Anamul, however, faced an early exit, scoring 38 runs before being dismissed LBW by Blessing Muzarabani, a decision that was reviewed but ultimately upheld.
As the match progressed into the second day, Bangladesh's batting continued to build on their initial momentum. Shadman Islam, who had been in fine form, played a crucial role, scoring 120 runs off 181 balls before falling to Brian Bennett's LBW, leaving Bangladesh at 194 for three. The partnership between Shadman and Mushfiqur Rahim was particularly notable, as they combined for a significant contribution that helped stabilize the innings.
Rahim, who was batting with confidence, reached 34 runs off 42 balls, while Najmul Hossain Shanto supported well with 19 runs off 41 balls. The last ten overs of the innings saw Bangladesh scoring 44 runs without losing a wicket, showcasing their ability to build pressure on the Zimbabwean bowlers.
Wellington Masakadza was the standout bowler for Zimbabwe, finishing the day with figures of 22 overs, 2 maidens, 69 runs, and 1 wicket. Richard Ngarava also played a role in containing the runs, although he ended the day wicketless with figures of 10 overs, 2 maidens, and 36 runs.
With the score at 252 for three after 68.1 overs, Bangladesh appeared to be in a strong position, and the match was shaping up to be a thrilling contest. The crowd in Chattogram was treated to an exciting display of cricket as both teams vied for dominance on the field.
Looking ahead, the match holds significant implications for both teams. Bangladesh is keen to level the series and regain their confidence after the first Test loss, while Zimbabwe aims to build on their initial advantage and secure a series victory. The performances of players like Taijul Islam and Anamul Haque will be pivotal in determining the outcome of this exciting Test match.
As the teams prepare for the next session, fans are left eagerly anticipating how the match will unfold. Will Bangladesh's batting lineup continue to thrive, or will Zimbabwe's bowlers find a way to break through and turn the tide? One thing is for certain: the action in Chattogram is far from over, and both teams are ready to fight for every run.
