Sports Reporter :Bangladesh had a narrow nine-run lead over Zimbabwe when Bangladesh made 254 runs in the first innings on the second day of the first Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Sunday.Earlier, Zimbabwe scored 240 runs in the first innings on the first day (Saturday) at the same venue.Later, Zimbabwe scored five runs for the loss of none in their second innings before the bails were drawn for the second day.Bangladesh resumed their first innings with the over-night score of 27 for the loss of one wicket. The Tigers lost their second wicket adding more two runs when opener Shamsur Rahman was caught at the mid-off by Elton Chigumbura off Tinashe Panyangara when the hosts total was 29 for the loss of two wickets.Later, Mominul Haque and Mahmudullah Riyad put on together 63 runs for the third wicket stand before Mominul Haque was unfortunately run out by a direct throw of Sikandar Raza when Bangladesh’s score was 92 for the loss of three wickets.Mominul Haque notched up a patient 53 from 112 balls. His 146-minute knock was decorated with five fours. It was Mominul Haque’s 6th half century in Test cricket.After dismissal of Mominul, Shakib Al Hasan came at the crease but the prolific left-arm batsman failed to show a good performance as he was run out by TL Chatara for five runs. At that time Bangladesh’s score was 114 for the loss of four wickets.Later, Mahmudullah Riyad and Mushfiqur Rahim built a valuable partnership. They contributed 64 runs in the fifth wicket stand before Mahmudullah Riyad was trapped leg before wicket by Sikandar Raza when the team’s total was 178 for the loss of five wickets.Riyad knocked a calm 63 from 160 balls. His 214-minute innings was laced with seven boundaries and two over boundaries. He fulfilled his 9th Test half century playing 110 balls.After removal of Riyad, Bangladesh batsmen failed to make any respectable partnership. Mushfiqur Rahim hit a captain’s knock of 64 off 126 balls. He struck nine fours and a six in his 159-minute innings before he was caught at the square leg by CR Ervine off Panyangara when Bangladesh’s score was 226 for the loss of seven wickets. The wicketkeeper-batsman reached his 14th Test half century playing 92 deliveries.Tinashe Panyangara played the key role to mop up Bangladesh’s innings. He bowled extremely well and completed his remarkable spell as 13-5-59-5.Sikandar Raza and T Kamungozi took one wicket each for 12 and 51 runs respectively.Vusi Sibanda and RW Chakabva were on 5 and naught respectively before the two umpires pocketted the bails for the second day.
