Bennett, Williams, Lower Order Lift Zimbabwe Despite Mehidy's First Home Five-For In 2.5 Years

Описание: Zimbabwe gained a slight upper hand over Bangladesh at the end of the second day of the first Test in Sylhet, thanks to gritty half-centuries from Brian Bennett and Sean Williams, along with valuable contributions from their lower order. Despite Mehidy Hasan Miraz picking up his first five-wicket haul at home in nearly two-and-a-half years, Zimbabwe managed to post 273, taking a crucial 82-run first-innings lead. Bennett impressed early with a fluent 57, while Williams top-scored with 59, showcasing his experience during a steady middle-order stand. The tail then chipped in with 80 runs across the final four wickets, frustrating the Bangladesh bowlers.

Mehidy finished with figures of 5 for 52, while Nahid Rana provided key breakthroughs, including the wickets of both openers and Craig Ervine. Hasan Mahmud also made an impact by bowling Nick Welch with a sharp inswinger. Williams, having reached his fourth Test fifty in style, was dismissed just as he looked to push Zimbabwe further ahead. Yet, Nyasha Mayavo, Wellington Masakadza, and a fiery ninth-wicket partnership between Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava ensured Zimbabwe maximized their advantage.

In reply, Bangladesh lost Shadman Islam early to a brilliant delivery from Muzarabani, and though Mahmudul Hasan Joy was dropped on 6, he remained unbeaten on 28 at stumps, with Mominul Haque keeping him company on 15. With Bangladesh still trailing by 25 runs and nine wickets in hand, the match remains finely poised heading into the third day.