Mehidy Hasan inspires Bangladesh to emphatic innings win over Zimbabwe

CHATTOGRAM: Mehidy Hasan Miraz produced a stunning all-round performance to lead Bangladesh to a commanding innings-and-106-run victory over Zimbabwe on the third day of the Chattogram Test. His century and five-wicket haul helped end Bangladesh’s run of six consecutive home Test defeats.

Resuming on 290 for 7, Bangladesh built a formidable first-innings total of 444 thanks to Mehidy’s resilient 104. He found valuable support from Taijul Islam, debutant Tanzim Hasan (41), and No. 11 Hasan Mahmud. Their lower-order partnerships frustrated Zimbabwe, who had posted 227 in their first innings.

Miraz then starred with the ball, ripping through Zimbabwe’s batting order with figures of 5 for 33, as the visitors were skittled for just 111. His efforts handed Bangladesh an innings victory and squared the series after a shock defeat in the first Test in Sylhet.

Taijul Islam also contributed with the ball, adding three second-innings wickets to finish with a match haul of eight.

Zimbabwe’s only consolation came through debutant legspinner Vincent Masekesa, who impressed with a five-wicket haul — becoming only the third Zimbabwean to achieve the feat on Test debut.

The win will come as a welcome boost for Bangladesh, who had lost home Tests to New Zealand, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Zimbabwe in recent months.