Tamim, Mahmudullah fifties keep Zimbabwe at bay
A slow day of Test cricket and Bangladesh will be happier today because their batsmen, especially Tamim, were a lot more patient today. Mahmudullah also scored a fifty and even though they were slow, they are comfortable on 193 for 3 at the end of day one, reports ESPN Cricinfo.
The resolve of the Bangladesh batsmen has been under question in recent times, and some more arose after early dismissals in both sessions, but Tamim Iqbal's restrained half-century kept a disciplined Zimbabwe at bay in Khulna.
At a strike-rate of 29.60, not often associated with his batting, Tamim finished the day at 74 with Shakib Al Hasan at 13.
He collected 72 runs for the second wicket with Mominul Haque and 95 runs for the third wicket partnership with Mahmudullah.
Natsai M'shangwe, the debutant Zimbabwe legspinner, was able to combine drift and turn to pose the most threat, utilizing the variable bounce from the pitch. But M'shangwe's control against left-handers was not as consistent, to leave him still searching for a maiden Test wicket.
Half of the first 10 overs were maidens, and two of those on the run preceded the wicket-taking over when Shamsur departs at 2. But Bangladesh did well not to fall prey to a stagnant scoreboard for a steady and cautious batting by Tamim, Mominul, and Mahmudullah.
Brendan Taylor, the Zimbabwe captain, would not have much reason to fault his bowlers after Bangladesh had decided to bat. But he had been a lot more critical of his batsmen after the Dhaka Test, which tempted him to remodel his line-up at the cost of a bowler.
John Nyumbu, the offspinner, had bowled only 16 overs in the first Test and has been dropped in favour of Malcolm Waller. Brian Chari, with an average of 20.62 in 23 first-class matches, gets a Test debut and has forced Vusi Sibanda to the sidelines. M'shangwe was a straight swap for Tafadzwa Kamungozi.
Bangladesh arrived in Khulna with their own batting concerns, but their only change was to sit Al-Amin Hossain aside for the local boy Rubel Hossain.
TEAMS
Bangladesh
Tamim Iqbal, Shamsur Rahman, Mominul Haque, Mahmudullah, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim*†, Shuvagata Hom, Taijul Islam, Shahadat Hossain, Rubel Hossain and Jubair Hossain.
Zimbabwe
Sikandar Raza, B Chari, H Masakadza, BRM Taylor*, MN Waller, CR Ervine, E Chigumbura, RW Chakabva†, T Panyangara, N M'shangwe and TL Chatara.
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