Bangladesh Vs Zimbabwe First Test Match Played at Sylhet International Stadium
Brief Score Card at Stumps Day-3:
Zimabawe 282 (Sean Williams 88, PJ Moore 63*, H Masakadza 52, Chakabva 28, Taijul 6/108, Nazmul 2/49) and 181 (H Masakadza 48, Sikandar Raza 25, BM Taylor 24, S Williams 20 and Chakbva 20, Taijul 5/62, Miraj 3/45, Nazmul 2/27) , Bangladesh 143 (Ariful Haq 41*, Mushfiqur Rahim 31, Chatara 3/19, Sikandar Raza 3/35, K Jarvis 2/28) and 26/0 (Liton K Das 14* and Imrul Kayes 12*)
Bangladesh needs scoring 295 more runs with 10 wickets at hand
Visitors Zimbabwe managed to set a steep target of 321 for Bangladesh to win on deteriorating wicket of Sylhet International stadium. Going by the chronological events of the test the target appears improbable achieving but not impossible. Bangladesh till stumps of day three knocked off 26. They need another 295 for climbing the peak of Mount Everest on day four and if necessary day five. It is a daunting task in deed but not impossible.
Bangladesh trailed by 139 runs in the first innings batting terribly poorly in the first innings. They were bundled out for a paltry 143 responding to visitors first innings of 282. Taijul Islam led Bangladesh spinning trio could restrict Zimbabwean second innings to 181 which with 139 deficit added of the first innings made the difference 320.
The 321 runs victory target set by the visitors made it the highest target to chase for winning a test by any team in Bangladesh. It is a daunting task on a wearing wicket of day four and five. Balls are turning and gripping and odd balls are keeping low. But with all the second innings wickets in tact Bangladesh is on the thresh hold of creating a history. Enough time is there today and tomorrow. But it is a daunting task. Needs patience, commitment and application.
When viewed in perspective of the test 321 is a very distant target. But Bangladesh has quality in batting for turning the tide. Batsmen have to dig in, keep their heads down, and restrict all temptation for playing aggressive strokes away from the body. They must put price on their wickets. Two or three batsmen must grind and graft and let others rotate around them. A small target must be set at a time to overhaul. The first session today is the key. If 70-80 runs can be scored by lunch without losing more than a wicket at most then foundation would be laid. Two premiere batsmen Mushfique and Mahmudullah have to shoulder the team like they did few times in the past .One of the two openers have to play longer innings. Stage is set for little bird Mominul to redeem. I would say the target is improbable but not impossible achieving.
Earlier on day three Zimbabwe started. Brian Chari got a reprieve early on. Nazmul Opu failed to clutch a catch in the point off the bowling of Abu Jayed. Masakdza was looking solid. But Taizul looked threatening and Mehedy Miraj started turning from business area. Chari was cleaned up by Miraz with a lovely delivery that held its line. Taijul removed Taylor. This brought Williams and Masakdaza together. This two went around building their fort in cool calculative manner. At 101/2 with a 240 runs lead things started getting ominous for the home side.
After lunch Mehedy struck the deadly blow trapping the anchor man Masakadza plumb in front. Taijul getting rid of Williams soon reduced the vistors to 121/4. From there on Taijul bowling exceedingly well and Bangladeshis having their tails up squeezed the visitors to 181 all out. Taijul took 5/ 62 in addition to his 6/108 in the first innings. Mehedy remaining wicket less in the first innings grabbed 3/25. Zimbabwean set a steep target of chasing 321. The feature of the visitors’ innings was another patient knock of 48 by the captain Masakadza. Four other players Sikandar Raza (25), Taylor (24), Williams (20) and Chakabva (20) made useful contributions. Visitors were looking for a target beyond 300 and they achieved it.
Bangladeshi openers batting in the important final innings in the fading lights restrained themselves from playing adventurous strokes. They left more than they played. No attempts were made playing across their bodies. It appeared that they learned lessons from their first innings mistakes. Zimbabwean bowlers especially Jarvis and Chatara bowled a little bit short as compared with their first innings early burst.
Bangladesh could knock off 26 runs from the target. They have to score yet another 295. All the second innings wickets are in tact. Two full days remains. True wicket is not ideal. But Bangladesh has quality to climb Mount Everest. It may sound easy but it is going to be a tough ask. If they can history will beacon the brave Tigers. The first test match in Sylhet will be remembered for ever for the historic win of the team Tigers. Game on. Millions across the world will enjoy the gripping contest. It will be test of character and Bangladesh has the character.
Successfully chasing the target and winning will set a new milestone for any team winning a test in Bangladesh with highest target achieved. How dearly habitants of Sylhet would cherish and admire that.
BDST: 0913 HRS, NOV 6, 2018
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