Shadman shines with ton as late collapse dents Bangladesh

A day that promised complete domination for Bangladesh ended on a sour note as a late batting collapse tempered their advantage over Zimbabwe on the second day of the Chattogram Test.

Led by a composed hundred from Shadman Islam and a solid start from the top order, Bangladesh controlled much of the first two sessions. But a clumsy final session, marked by reckless dismissals and a crucial run-out, saw the hosts slump from a position of authority to one of caution.

Shadman, who hadn't scored a Test hundred in 26 innings, broke his drought with a fluent innings, reaching his second career century with a boundary through extra cover. The milestone came against the same opposition he scored his maiden hundred against in 2021. His 100-plus stand with Anamul Haque laid a strong foundation after Bangladesh had dismissed Zimbabwe for 227 in the first hour of the morning.

Anamul, returning to the Test side after three years, made a promising 39 before falling lbw to Blessing Muzarabani. It was a reward for the Zimbabwe pacer's persistence, as Anamul misjudged an incoming delivery that struck him on the back pad. Despite reviewing the decision, the on-field umpire's call stood.

After a brief stutter at 121/1, Bangladesh rebuilt through Shadman and Mominul Haque, who looked set for a big innings before slog-sweeping unwisely and getting caught for 33. His dismissal was immediately followed by that of Shadman, trapped lbw by Ryan Bennett, as Zimbabwe struck twice in two balls to peg Bangladesh back at 196/3.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim then added 65 runs to steer Bangladesh past Zimbabwe's total and into the lead. Najmul, though not at his fluent best, contributed 23 before falling to Vincent Masukeza's first Test wicket, caught at short midwicket after being drawn into a misjudged drive.

Then came the decisive blows.

Masukeza removed debutant Jaker Ali for 5, inducing a return catch as the batter tried to play across the line. A mix-up between Mushfiqur and Mehidy Hasan Miraz brought about Mushfiq's downfall, run out for 40 by a direct hit from Wesley Madhevere. It was a tame end to a promising innings, during which Mushfiqur struck six boundaries and a six.

The collapse continued with Nayeem Hasan caught in the slips for just 3, again off Masukeza, who ended the day with figures of 3 for 41. From 194/1, Bangladesh had slipped to 279/7, losing six wickets for just 85 runs. Only Mehidy and Taijul Islam remained unbeaten at the close of play, with the hosts leading by 64.

Earlier in the morning, Bangladesh took just one ball to wrap up Zimbabwe's innings. Taijul Islam, who finished with 6 for 75, claimed the final wicket via review after Muzarabani feathered one behind. Nayeem Hasan had also played a pivotal role with a two-wicket burst that broke Zimbabwe's middle order on the first day.