After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Zimbabwe found themselves under early pressure when debutant Tanzim Hasan Sakib struck in the morning session. He removed opener Brian Bennett, caught behind for 21. Bangladesh could have had another early breakthrough, but Sadman Islam dropped Ben Curran at slip off Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s bowling.
Curran could not capitalize for long, though. Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam, brought into the attack just before drinks, trapped him with an inside edge onto the stumps for 21.
Zimbabwe went into lunch at 89 for 2, and Bangladesh would have hoped to press further. However, the second session belonged to Zimbabwe as Williams and Welch combined in a patient, gritty partnership.
Welch showed composure, reaching his second Test fifty in 107 balls, including two sixes and three fours. Meanwhile, the experienced Williams anchored the innings with classic shot selection, completing his half-century in 113 balls with seven boundaries.
Their 90-run partnership frustrated Bangladesh throughout the afternoon, with Zimbabwe reaching 161 for 2 at tea.
Bangladesh Fight Back Through Nayeem Hasan
Shortly after the tea break, Zimbabwe lost Nick Welch, who had been struggling with cramps. He retired hurt for 54 (131 balls, 3 fours, 2 sixes), providing Bangladesh a much-needed opening.
The momentum shifted when Nayeem Hasan removed Craig Ervine for just 5. The Zimbabwe skipper edged a low delivery to wicketkeeper Zakir Ali after struggling to find rhythm against tight Bangladeshi bowling.
Just an over later, Nayeem struck again, dismissing Sean Williams for 67. Williams, attempting a paddle sweep, top-edged a delivery straight into the hands of a leaping Tanzim Hasan at fine leg. His dismissal ended Zimbabwe’s resistance and gave Bangladesh renewed energy heading into the final stretch of the day.
By stumps, Zimbabwe were 178 for 4, with Wesley Madhevere and Tafadzwa Tsiga unbeaten at the crease.
Bangladesh’s Missed Opportunities
Despite the eventual recovery, Bangladesh would rue missed chances. Along with Sadman Islam’s early drop of Curran, a run-out opportunity was wasted when the throw went to the wrong end.
The pitch offered some turn and low bounce as the day wore on, but Bangladesh’s spinners — Taijul Islam, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Nayeem Hasan — needed patience and discipline to find breakthroughs. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto rotated his bowlers smartly, even introducing part-timer Mominul Haque late in the second session.
Tanzim Hasan, who impressed with his accuracy and energy, marked a memorable debut, picking up his maiden Test wicket in his second spell.
Key Highlights:
- Welch and Williams added 90 runs for the third wicket.
- Nayeem Hasan took 2 wickets in two overs to revive Bangladesh.
- Tanzim Hasan picked up his maiden Test wicket on debut.
- Zimbabwe’s captain Craig Ervine fell cheaply for 5.
