CHATTOGRAM, Bangladesh — In a remarkable display of all-around cricket prowess, Mehidy Hasan achieved a century and took five wickets to lead Bangladesh to a dominant victory over Zimbabwe by an innings and 106 runs in the decisive second test match on Wednesday.
Mehidy joined an elite group of cricketers worldwide by becoming the 39th player, and third from Bangladesh following Shakib Al Hasan and Sohag Gazi, to accomplish the feat of scoring a century and capturing a five-for in the same match. His impressive performance with the bat saw him score an outstanding 104 runs, helping Bangladesh conclude their first innings at 444, securing a substantial lead of 217 runs.
Taking center stage with the ball thereafter, Mehidy delivered an outstanding bowling performance, claiming 5 wickets for just 32 runs. This marked his third five-wicket haul in two tests as Zimbabwe’s batting line-up crumbled under pressure, succumbing to 111 all out in 46.2 overs during an elongated final session of day three.
Supporting Mehidy’s efforts, left-arm spinner Taijul Islam contributed significantly with figures of 3-42, following his impressive 6-60 in the first innings. Victory in this match allowed Bangladesh to even the series after suffering a narrow three-wicket defeat in the opening test.
Facing challenging conditions on a pitch showing signs of wear, Bangladesh’s spin duo left Zimbabwe’s batsmen struggling to handle the sharp turns and variations. Ben Curran stood out with a score of 46, fighting valiantly before becoming the eighth wicket to fall. Captain Craig Ervine contributed 25 runs, while Wellington Masakadza managed 10, as only three players reached double figures. Notably, three Zimbabwe batsmen were dismissed without scoring.
Earlier in Bangladesh’s innings, Mehidy expertly navigated the lower order, kicking off the day with the hosts on 191-7, holding a 64-run lead. Working in tandem with Taijul Islam and the debuting Tanzim Hasan, Mehidy bolstered the score to ensure a commanding first-innings total. Taijul posted 20 runs, partnering Mehidy for a valuable 63-run stand before falling victim to Vincent Masekesa. Mehidy and Tanzim then crafted a crucial 96-run partnership for the ninth wicket, pushing the lead beyond the 200-run mark. Tanzim’s eventual dismissal for 41, courtesy of Wessley Madhevere, left Mehidy just shy of his century.
Mehidy’s prospects of reaching three figures seemed threatened, especially with No. 11 batter Hasan Mahmud known more for his bowling than batting prowess. However, Mehidy secured his second test century with a deft single past short fine leg, off Madhevere’s bowling. His innings concluded with a tired stroke against a slower ball from Vincent Masekesa, wrapping up Bangladesh’s innings. Masekesa finished with standout figures of 5-115 in his debut appearance.