Shakib, Miraz shine as Tigers commanding Harare Test

Sports Desk

Published: July 9, 2021, 11:44 PM

Shakib, Miraz shine as Tigers commanding Harare Test

Bangladesh took control of the only Test against Zimbabwe in Harare as spinners Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz spun a web around the opposition batsmen on Day 3.

The two spinners shared 9 wickets between them as Zimbabwe lost their last 8 wickets for just 51 runs.

The Tigers headed to Stumps on Day 3 at the Harare Sports Club at 45 for 0 with openers Shadman Islam (22*) and Saif Hassan (20*) remaining unbeaten. The visitors sealed a lead of 237 runs and have the opportunity to stretch it into a decisive one on Saturday.

The spin pair decimated Zimbabwe's tail with the last five wickets falling for a meagre 15 runs, precipitated by the end of a patient innings of 87 off 311 balls by debutant opener Takudzwanashe Kaitano.

Zimbabwe had resumed on their overnight score of 114-1 with Kaitano and captain Brendan Taylor compiling a promising 115-run second-wicket partnership before Taylor went for 81.

At one stage, Zimbabwe looked like they would post a good total on the board with Kaitano adding another 49-run stand with No. 4 Don Mayers. However, Shakib broke the stand which opened the floodgate for Bangladesh.

Barring Mayers and wicketkeeper Chakabya, none of the other Zimbabwe batsmen in the bottom 8 managed double figure scores. Maruma and Roy Kala went for naughts as Zimbabwe registered 4 ducks in their first innings.

It's going to be an uphill task as Zimbabwe have let go of dominant positions twice in this Test so far. They had Bangladesh at 270 for 8 before Mahumudullah (150*) and tail-ender Taskin Ahmed (75) added 191 runs for the 9th wicket.

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