Sports Reporter :
Bangladesh lost to Zimbabwe by 151 runs in the first Test on the fourth day at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet on Tuesday.
Electing to bat first, Zimbabwe made 282 in the first innings on the second day (Sunday).
Then Bangladesh were bundled out for143 in the first innings on the second day.
Later, Zimbabwe scored 181 in the second innings on the third day (Monday).
Needing 321 runs to win, the hosts were all out for 169 in the second innings on the fourth day (Tuesday).
Bangladesh scored 26 for the loss of none at the close of the third day play.
Openers Liton Das and Imrul Kayes resumed their over-night score of 14 and 12 runs respectively. But Liton could able to add more nine runs on the fourth day as he was trapped leg before wicket by Sikandar Raza when Bangladesh’s score was 56.
After dismissal of Liton, Bangladesh batsmen failed to build any notable partnership.
One-down Mominul Haque (9) was cleanly bowled out by Kyle Jarvis when the home side’s total was 67 for the loss of two wickets.
Imrul Kayes fought back against the tight bowling attack of Zimbabwe hitting a patient 43 from 103 balls. He hit six fours before he was bowled out by Sikandar Raza when the team’s total was 83 for the loss of three wickets.
After Imrul’s dismissal, Mahmudullah Riyad (16) was caught at the short leg by substitute Craig Ervine off Sikandar Raza when Bangladesh’s score was 102 for the loss of four wickets.
Third-down Nazmul Hossain Shanto (13) was caught by Sikandar Raza off Brandon Mavuta when the hosts’ total was 111 for the loss of five wickets.
Number Six batsman Mushfiqur Rahim (13) was caught at the deep mid-wicket by Wellington Masakadza off Mavuta when Bangladesh’s score was 132 for the loss of six wickets.
Ariful Haque was the other batsman of the hosts who earned respect from Zimbabwean bowlers. Ariful made 38 from 37 featuring four fours and two sixes.
After departure of Mushfiqur, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (7) was caught behind by wicketkeeper Regis Chakabva off Mavuta when Bangladesh’s total was 150 for the loss of seven wickets.
Number Nine batsman Taijul Islam (0) was caught at the long-on by Brendan Taylor off Wellington Masakadza when the home side’s score was 151 for the loss of eight wickets.
Tail-ender Nazmul Islam (0) was trapped leg before wicket by Mavuta when the hosts’ score was 155 for the loss of nine wickets.
Ariful Haque was caught by Chakabva off Wellington Masakadza and Bangladesh’s innings came to an end.
Sean Williams hit 88 in the first innings. He was adjudged the Man of the Match.
Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam bagged six wickets at the cost of 108 runs in the first innings and he grabbed five wickets five wickets instead of 62 runs in the second innings. But Taijul’s 11-wicket haul went in vain as his team suffered a shameful defeat.
