How did Mehidy Hasan lead Bangladesh to a stunning win over Zimbabwe?

Chattogram (Bangladesh), April 30 (NationPress) Mehidy Hasan Miraz showcased an extraordinary all-round effort, steering Bangladesh to a resounding victory by an innings and 106 runs against Zimbabwe on the third day of the Chattogram Test. Mehidy first hammered a valiant century (104) with the bat and then returned to dismantle the Zimbabwean batting lineup, claiming five wickets and sealing the match with two days remaining.

Resuming from a close of 291 for 7, Bangladesh added 153 runs in the morning session before being dismissed for 444. Mehidy was the standout performer, scoring a remarkable 104, marking his second Test century. He received valuable support from Taijul Islam (20), debutant Tanzim Hasan (41), and No. 11 Hasan Mahmud, who all contributed to extending the lead.

This innings was more than sufficient to push Zimbabwe out of contention.

Earlier in the match, Zimbabwe managed a modest 227 in their first innings. Mehidy’s innings, following Shadman Islam’s (120), was crucial in Bangladesh establishing a substantial 217-run lead.

Zimbabwe’s second innings fell apart quickly after tea. Taijul Islam struck first, dismissing Brian Bennett (6) at second slip, and quickly followed it up by getting Nick Welch for a duck via lbw, a decision confirmed upon review. Nayeem Hasan then caught Sean Williams for just 7 runs.

Despite Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto missing a simple chance off Craig Ervine, Mehidy took control, bowling Ervine for 25 as the Zimbabwean captain misjudged the spin. Mehidy then trapped Wessly Madhevere lbw for a duck and quickly dispatched wicketkeeper Tafadzwa Tsiga.

Wellington Masakadza attempted a counterattack but ended up handing Mehidy his fourth wicket with a mistimed shot to mid-off. The only resistance came from Sam Curran, who managed a gritty 46 off 103 balls before succumbing to Mehidy’s spell, caught behind as his fifth victim.

Taijul returned to dismiss Richard Ngarava for five runs before Mominul Haque executed a direct hit, concluding Zimbabwe’s collapse at just 111 in their second innings.

Despite the defeat, Masekesa shone for the visitors, achieving five wickets on debut—a rare accomplishment for a Zimbabwean bowler in Test cricket.

This dominant display provided a much-needed morale boost for Bangladesh, who had experienced losses in their previous Tests against New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and South Africa, alongside a defeat in the first Test against Zimbabwe in Sylhet. With this win, they leveled the two-match series 1-1.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s all-round performance, comprising 104 runs and a match tally of seven wickets, was undeniably the highlight of the Test and perhaps one of the finest in his career.

Brief scores:

Zimbabwe 227 & 111 all out in 46.2 overs (Ben Curran 46, Craig Ervine 25; Mehidy Hasan Miraz 5-32, Taijul Islam 3-42) lost to Bangladesh 444 all out in 129.2 overs (Taijul Islam 120, Mehidy Hasan Miraz 104; Vincent Masekesa 5-115) by an innings and 106 runs