Shakib, Tamim tons put Bangladesh ahead

Shakib Al Hasan came to the fore once again for Bangladesh, hitting a stellar century to help the side reach a commanding position against Zimbabwe on the second day of the second Test in Khulna on Tuesday (November 4).

Tamin Iqbal, overnight 74, also brought up a century – his fifth in Tests – as Bangladesh’s first innings came to a close on 433 after starting the second day on 193 for 3. Tamim and Shakib’s 132-run stand for the fourth wicket was the cornerstone of Bangladesh’s good total.

Zimbabwe, who lost the first Test by three wickets, got off to a poor start in its essay, losing Sikandar Raza, the opener, to Taijul Islam in the sixth over. At the close, Zimbabwe was 53 for 1, trailing by 380 runs. Brian Chari, the debutant, was unbeaten on 21 and Hamilton Masakadza was on 15 when the umpires decided to call it a day.

Tamim, who had played with great patience on the first day, was eventually dismissed by Hamilton Masakadza for 109 from 332 balls. Shakib, who picked up seven wickets in the first Test, was the more prolific of the two hitting 137 from 180 deliveries with 18 fours and a couple of sixes. This was Shakib’s third Test century.

Starting the day with only three of its batsmen back in the pavilion, Bangladesh was in a good position to press home the advantage. Shakib, overnight 19, helped himself to a heap of runs after cruising to his half-century from 71 balls.

Despite Tamim’s dismissal with the score on 305, Shakib’s run-rate barely showed signs of a slide as he brought up a century from 153 balls just after lunch. Shakib continued to go after Zimbabwe’s bowlers and eventually perished, attempting a big shot against Malcolm Waller, the offspinner.

Taijul’s quickfire 44-ball 32 was crucial towards the end, as Bangladesh added to its total. With a wicket in the end to boot, Bangladesh is well-placed in the second match of this three-Test series.

To see the scorecard and review the Bangladesh v Zimbabwe match in full, please click here.