Photo : Collected

DHAKA, April 22, 2025 (BSS)- Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto kept Bangladesh on 
track of tilting the first cricket Test against Zimbabwe toward them by 
showing an unwavering resolve on a rain-truncated Day 3 at Sylhet 
International Cricket Stadium today.

He was batting on 60 after hitting his fifth half-century with Jaker Ali Anik 
on 21 as Bangladesh ended the day at 194-4 before bad light brought an early 
stump. Bangladesh's lead grew to 112 runs by then.

On a rain-hit day, the match was turning like a pendulum before Bangladesh 
settled them, thanks to Shanto's steely resolve.

After the entire first session was washed out due to wet outfield, caused by 
rain, Bangladesh began with 57-1 and seemed to have controlled the 
proceeding, thanks to Mominul Haque and Shanto.

But the departure of Mominul who made 47, following his 56 in the first 
innings and Mushfiqur Rahim on the eve of tea session paved Zimbabwe's way to 
claw back into the game.

Shanto denied Zimbabwe further, ably supported by Jaker Ali Anik as the duo 
kept them unscathed until the stumps.

Bangladesh were folded for 191 in its first innings and conceded 82-run lead 
when Zimbabwe amassed 273 all out. 

Fast bowler Blessing Muzurabani who ended the day with 3-51, struck in just 
seventh over on Day 3 dismissing struggling Mahmudul Hasan Joy with a short 
pitched delivery.

Joy who survived twice due to butter-fingered Zimbabwe fielders on Day 2 
added just five runs to his overnight total of 28 to be out on 33.

Shanto and Mominul appeared to be in full control of the game as they played 
Zimbabwe bowlers with positive intent.

But pacer Victor Nyauchu who operated tirelessly got the reward of his 
excellent line and length by getting the better of Mominul Haque with a back-
of-length delivery. 

The angle he created forced Mominul to play and edged to wicket-keeper after 
hitting six fours for his 84 ball-47.

Veteran Mushfiqur Rahim who came into the crease without any 50 in his last 
11 innings, struggled against Zimbabwe pacer right from the start. 

He eventually nicked a back-of-length deliver from Muzurabani to first slip 
and was out for just 4 in the last over before tea session. 

Zimbabwe sensed a chance to dominate Bangladesh further and bowled with 
renewed confidence. But Shanto and Jaker showed the required patience to 
weather their attack.