SYLHET, Bangladesh โ In a rain-affected day three of the first cricket test, Bangladeshโs Najmul Hossain Shanto showcased resilience by scoring an unbeaten 60 against Zimbabwe. His innings, featuring seven boundaries, enabled Bangladesh to reach 194-4 in their second innings, securing an overall lead of 112 runs before poor lighting called for early stumps on Tuesday. Jaker Ali remained not out on 21.
After a completely washed-out first session due to a wet outfield, Bangladesh resumed on 57-1, trailing Zimbabwe by 25 runs. Shanto, leading the team as captain, alongside Mominul Haque, ensured Bangladesh appeared in control. However, Zimbabwe made a comeback by claiming the important wickets of Mominul, who had scored 47 following his 56 runs in the first innings, and Mushfiqur Rahim.
With Shanto and Ali at the crease, the pair stabilized the innings, forming a vital 39-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Previously, Bangladesh had been bowled out for 191 in their first innings, trailing Zimbabwe, who scored 273 all out, by 82 runs.
The day also saw fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani excel, finishing with figures of 3-51. Muzarabani struck early on Tuesday, dismissing Mahmudul Hasan Joy for 33 with a well-directed short-pitched delivery. Despite surviving twice due to Zimbabweโs fielding errors the previous day, Hasan could only add five more runs before his dismissal. Pacer Victor Nyauchi (1-28) maintained an excellent line and length, eventually getting Mominul to edge behind after hitting six boundaries in his determined 84-ball 47.
Veteran Rahim, struggling for form with no half-centuries in his previous 11 innings, found the Zimbabwean pacers challenging from the outset. After being tested by Muzarabaniโs back-of-length delivery, Rahim nicked it to first slip and was dismissed for 4.
Although Zimbabwe sensed a moment to seize control, Shanto and Jaker Ali successfully stood their ground, keeping the match finely poised.