How Did Shadman Islam's Ton Propel Bangladesh on Day 2?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Shadman Islam scored a vital century, placing Bangladesh in a strong position.
- The partnership between Shadman and Anamul was crucial for building momentum.
- Zimbabwe's bowlers, especially Masekesa, showed promise despite the loss.
- Bangladesh must capitalize on their lead to secure a win.
- The match remains competitive with Zimbabwe still in contention.
Chattogram, April 29 (NationPress) Shadman Islam's remarkable second Test century has positioned Bangladesh firmly ahead, securing a 64-run advantage over Zimbabwe with three wickets still in hand at the end of day two of the Test match in Chattogram.
As the day concluded, a late surge of wickets reignited Zimbabwe's aspirations. At stumps, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam were batting with scores of 16 and 5, respectively.
Zimbabwe's debut leg spinner, Vincent Masekesa, made a mark by taking three wickets, while Blessing Muzarabani, Wellington Masakadza, and Brian Bennett each added one to their tally.
The Bangladeshi openers, Anamul Haque and Shadman, established a vibrant partnership after Zimbabwe was bowled out for 227, with No. 11 Muzarabani dismissed after just one ball in the morning session. Shadman began with intent, hitting numerous boundaries, including several stylish straight drives, and was particularly fluid through the covers.
Anamul, making his first Test appearance in over two years, adopted a more cautious approach, focusing on acclimatizing to the pitch conditions. He scored four boundaries in the first session, and together with Shadman, they amassed 118 runs for the opening wicket before lunch.
Muzarabani ended their partnership shortly after lunch, trapping Anamul lbw with a full delivery that maintained its trajectory. Anamul finished with 39 runs off 80 balls.
Shadman and Mominul Haque then combined for a 76-run stand for the second wicket. Mominul played aggressively, hitting a straight six among his three boundaries, before he was caught at deep midwicket by Ben Curran for 33 off 64 balls.
Zimbabwe struck again swiftly when Brian Bennett trapped Shadman lbw for 120 runs off 181 balls. Shadman maintained complete control throughout his innings, including a flurry of seven boundaries and a six, marking just the second six of his Test career.
Mushfiqur Rahim and Najmul Hossain Shanto both struck sixes off Bennett, one before and one after the tea interval. Mushfiqur then followed with two more fours off Bennett and another pair of boundaries against Masakadza. However, Shanto fell shortly thereafter, caught by Nick Welch at short midwicket off Masekesa's bowling, providing the debutant with his first Test wicket.
Masekesa quickly claimed another victim, dismissing Jaker Ali for 5 in the 75th over, caught and bowled. Mushfiqur was then run out after a poorly judged single, with Wessly Madhevere hitting the stumps following a throw from mid-on. Nayeem Hasan became Masekesa's third victim, edging to Sean Williams at second slip after scoring just three runs.
Brief scores: Bangladesh 291/7 (Shadman Islam 120, Mushfiqur Rahim 40; Vincent Masekesa 3-44) lead Zimbabwe 227/10 (Sean Williams 67, Nick Welch 54, Taijul Islam 6-60) by 64 runs at the close of Day 2.