Shadman Islam’s Century Puts Bangladesh in Command Against Zimbabwe, Crosses 1,000 Test Runs

Bangladesh opener Shadman Islam delivered a standout performance by scoring his second Test century, leading his side into a commanding position in the ongoing second Test match against Zimbabwe in Chattogram.

During this impressive knock, Shadman also reached a significant personal landmark by surpassing 1,000 Test runs.

The left-handed batter looked composed and positive from the beginning, forming a steady opening partnership with Anamul Haque, who contributed 39 runs.

Their partnership yielded 118 runs, taking Bangladesh to 105/0 at lunch on Day 2.

Shadman continued his fine form into the second session, where he brought up his hundred while building a solid stand with Mominul Haque. The duo added more than 50 runs for the second wicket.

Taijul’s Six-Wicket Haul Wrecks Zimbabwe’s First Innings

Earlier, in Zimbabwe’s first innings, Taijul Islam delivered a remarkable performance with the ball. The experienced spinner claimed six wickets for 60 runs, securing his 16th five-wicket haul in Test cricket.

He swiftly concluded Zimbabwe’s innings on the second morning, removing Blessing Muzarabani with the first ball of Day 2.

Muzarabani edged a turning delivery to the keeper, wrapping up the innings at 227/10—the same score Zimbabwe had ended with on Day 1, having already lost nine wickets.

Zimbabwe had opted to bat first after winning the toss, but they could not put up a strong total due to Taijul’s disciplined and incisive bowling effort.

Strong Start From Bangladesh Top Order

In reply, Bangladesh’s top-order batted with control and aggression. Shadman took charge, providing a stable foundation.

“Shadman made a career-best 120 to guide Bangladesh to 291-7 at stumps on Day 2, leading the visitors by 64 runs,” according to the official update.

Despite the strong start, Zimbabwe struck back late in the day, slowing Bangladesh’s momentum.

Debutant leg-spinner Vincent Masekesa impressed with figures of 3-44, including key dismissals that prevented Bangladesh from seizing total control.

Masekesa’s Impact on Debut

Masekesa’s debut turned the tide briefly in Zimbabwe’s favour. He dismissed Mominul Haque (33) and Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (23), both of whom were well set for substantial scores.

Veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim was also run out for 40, giving Zimbabwe additional hope of a comeback.

The day had started with Shadman and Anamul Haque providing Bangladesh’s first century opening stand since December 2022.

The pair navigated the morning session without losing a wicket after Zimbabwe failed to add to their overnight total.

Taijul removed Muzarabani with his very first delivery of the day, leaving Zimbabwe’s Tafadzwa Tsiga stranded on 18. Taijul finished with brilliant figures of 6-60 in 27.1 overs.

Shadman Shines With the Bat

Shadman played fluently, indicating his aggressive mindset early in the innings by slashing Richard Ngarava for a boundary past point in the third over.

Anamul, returning to Test cricket after three years, got off the mark confidently with two boundaries off Ngarava in the fifth over.

However, just after lunch, Muzarabani trapped Anamul leg-before for 39, ending his 80-ball innings that included four boundaries.

Shadman, who had scores of just 12 and 4 in the first Test in Sylhet, raised his second Test hundred with a stylish boundary past cover off Ngarava after facing 147 balls.

His maiden century had also come against Zimbabwe in Harare in 2021. With that ton, Shadman became the 16th Bangladeshi player to reach 1,000 Test runs.

He and Mominul shared a 76-run partnership before both were dismissed in quick succession before tea. Left-arm spinner Wellington Masakadza removed Mominul for 33, and Brian Bennett sent back Shadman in the next over.

Collapse After Solid Middle Order

Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim seemed to steady the innings again, contributing to a 65-run stand. However, Masekesa broke through by dismissing Shanto, which triggered a collapse. Bangladesh lost four wickets for just 20 runs during this phase.

Despite the setbacks, Mehidy Hasan (16) and Taijul Islam (5) managed to hold on during the final seven overs of the day.

Series at Stake as Bangladesh Fights Back

Zimbabwe had earlier claimed a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series with a three-wicket victory in Sylhet.

As Day 2 concluded in Chattogram, Bangladesh appeared determined to level the series, buoyed by Shadman’s batting milestone and Taijul’s bowling brilliance, despite Zimbabwe’s late counterattack.