Miraz’s all-round heroics seal series-leveling win

A day that began with Mehidy Hasan Miraz completing a brilliant hundred and ended with him claiming a five-wicket haul saw Bangladesh emerge victorious by an innings and 106 runs on the third day of the Chattogram Test, leveling the series in emphatic style.

Having come into Day 3 with the upper hand at 279 for 7, Bangladesh began their innings with a determination to extend their advantage. Mehidy, unbeaten on 37, was well-supported by Taijul Islam in the morning session. The pair defied Zimbabwe's bowlers for over an hour, frustrating them with a mix of resolute defence and opportunistic strokeplay. Mehidy steadily moved towards his century, while Taijul faced 54 balls without giving a chance.

When Zimbabwe took the second new ball, Mehidy was on 90, and Bangladesh's lead had passed 150. The breakthrough the visitors needed never came, and Mehidy reached his century—his second in Test cricket—with a flick through midwicket. His controlled knock was a key turning point, providing stability when Bangladesh needed it most.

After Taijul was dismissed for 11, debutant Tanzim Hasan Sakib entered the fray with remarkable composure. Known more for his pace, Tanzim struck six boundaries in a blistering 41 off just 54 balls. His partnership with Mehidy produced 96 for the ninth wicket, pushing Bangladesh's lead past 200 and building a daunting total.

The innings finally ended at 444 shortly after lunch, with Mehidy caught behind off Muzarabani for a brilliant 120. His 165-ball innings, featuring 12 boundaries and one six, was the backbone of Bangladesh's recovery, providing an essential foundation after their collapse on Day 2.

With a daunting target of 217 runs to avoid defeat, Zimbabwe's chase began disastrously. Taijul Islam struck early, removing both Joylord Gumbie and Nick Welch in his first over. Nayeem Hasan joined the fun, dismissing the experienced Sean Williams just after tea.

The Zimbabwean innings quickly collapsed under the weight of Mehidy's spin. He claimed two more wickets, including that of Craig Ervine, who was bowled through the gate. Mehidy's spell left Zimbabwe reeling at 73 for 5, and soon enough, their resistance came to an end. Wicketkeeper Tafadzwa Tsiga fell to a catch at short leg, and Wellington Masakadza holed out at mid-off.

Karun fought valiantly, scoring 46, but even he couldn't stand in Mehidy's way. He was dismissed for 46, caught behind, as the Zimbabwean tail crumbled. 

After the allotted overs for the day were completed, the umpires allowed extra time. In the second ball of the additional time, Zimbabwe's Vincent Masaketsa was run out, with Mominul Haque's throw breaking the stumps.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed a five-wicket haul, Taijul Islam took three, and Nayeem Hasan added one as Bangladesh's spinners combined to dismiss Zimbabwe for just 111 in the final session of Day 3, after the hosts had earlier posted 444 in reply to the visitors' first-innings total of 227.