Signs of comeback as Mominul-Shanto steady the ship
- Update Time : 12:34:05 pm, Tuesday, 22 April 2025
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After a shaky start on the opening day, Bangladesh bounced back strongly in the Sylhet Test. Following Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s five-wicket haul on Day 2, the hosts found further momentum on April 22, thanks to a gritty fifty from skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, putting them in a position to dream of a substantial lead.
At stumps on Day 3, Bangladesh led by 112 runs, having posted 137 for 3 in just 44 overs of play—limited due to rain and poor light. The damp outfield delayed the start of play, and once the action began after lunch, opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy added just 16 runs to his overnight score of 57 before being dismissed.
However, a composed partnership between Mominul Haque and Shanto helped stabilize the innings. They added 65 runs for the third wicket before Mominul fell agonizingly short of a fifty, dismissed by Nyauchi for 47 off 84 balls, laced with six boundaries.
Veteran Mushfiqur Rahim couldn’t contribute much, departing for just 4 off 20 balls, caught in the slips off Blessing Muzarabani. But Shanto held firm, ending the day unbeaten on 60 off 103 balls—his fifth Test fifty—while Zakir Ali supported him well with 21* at the other end. Due to poor light, play ended early, and tomorrow’s start has been scheduled half an hour earlier than usual.
Earlier in the match, Bangladesh were bowled out for 191 in their first innings. Zimbabwe replied with 273, giving them an early lead before Bangladesh clawed back with a solid second-innings performance.
