Photo: BCB's Facebook

DHAKA, April 30, 2025 (BSS)- Mehidy Hasan Miraz hit his second century as Bangladesh were bundled out for 444 in its first innings of the second and final Test against Zimbabwe, taking a 217 runs lead at the Bir Shrestha Matiur Rahman Stadium today.

The dominant lead kept them on course of winning the final Test and avoiding a series whitewash for the first time against Zimbabwe on home ground.

Zimbabwe were folded for 227 in its first innings. 

Miraz was the last batter out after scoring 104 off 162 with 11 fours and one six.

This was his first century after four years, having scored 103 against West Indies at the same city in 2021. 

He was the second centurion for Bangladesh in this Test after opener Shadman Islam made 120 earlier on Day 2. 

Leg-spinner Vincent Masekesa had Miraz stumped to finish with 5-115 on his debut.

Miraz led the charge after Bangladesh resumed the Day 3 on 191-7 and with 64 runs lead. 

Bangladesh were not at dominant position despite the lead given the lower order's vulnerability to resist the opponents for a long time.

But Taijul Islam and debutant Tanzim Hasan Sakib batted with caution and aggression to give Miraz a handy support as Bangladesh gained a lead that looked absolutely match-winning.

Taijul scored 20 and added 63-run with Miraz before Masekesa got the better of him. 

Miraz thereafter shared a 96-run partnership with Tanzim for the ninth wicket, taking the lead past 200.

Wessley Madhevere broke the threatening partnership by dismissing Tanzim who threw away his wicket by playing a premeditated reverse-sweep.

Tanzim played like a genuine batter to add 41 off 80 with two fours and one six.

Tanzim's dismissal left Miraz in limbo for his century as Hasan Mahmud had no reputation as a batter.

However he raised his century from 143 balls, after clipping Wessley Madhevere past short fine leg for a single.

Soon after a tired shot against Masekesa's slower delivery cost his wicket as Bangladesh's innings came to an end.

The visitors lead the series 1-0 following their three-wicket victory in the first Test in Sylhet.