Sylhet [Bangladesh], April 23 (ANI): Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz had a memorable outing during the first Test against Zimbabwe at Sylhet, as he became the third Bangladesh bowler to get 200 Test scalps and the player with the most ten-wicket hauls for his country.
Miraz reached these milestones during the first Test at Sylhet, picking up figures of 5/52 in 20.2 overs during the first innings. Later, defending 174 runs for his side, Miraz made sure his side did not go down without a fight despite a 95-run opening stand from the visitors as he picked up 5/50 in 22.1 overs.
He registered the figures of 10/102 in the match, but could not prevent his side from going down by three wickets.
Other than Miraz, the other bowlers with 200 Test wickets are Shakib al Hasan (246 wickets in 71 Tests), Taijul Islam (219 wickets in 52 Tests). Miraz now has 200 wickets in 52 Tests at an average of 32.42, with best figures of 7/58 in an innings, 12 five wicket hauls and three ten-wicket hauls, as per ESPNCricinfo.
Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first. A 66-run partnership between Mominul Haque (56 in 105 balls, with six fours and a six) and skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (40 in 69 balls, with six fours) was a major highlight of the first innings as the hosts put up 191 on the board in 61 overs.
Wellington Masakadza (3/21) and Muzarabani (3/50) were the pick of the bowlers for Zimbabwe. Wessly Madhevere (2/2) and Victor Nyauchi (2/74) were also among the wickets.
In their first innings, half-centuries came from Brian Bennett (57 in 64 balls, with 11 fours) and Sean Williams (59 in 108 balls, with six fours and two sixes). An opening partnership of 69 runs between Brian and Ben Curran (18) and a 48-run stand for the fifth wicket between Williams and Wessly Madhevere (24 in 33 balls, with a four and six) were standouts in the Zimbabwe innings as the visitors took an 82-run lead, posting 273 in 80.2 overs.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz (5/52) was the star for Bangladesh with a brilliant five-wicket haul and Nahid Rana (3/74) also shined with a three-wicket spell.
During their second innings, Bangladesh managed only 255 runs off 79.2 overs. Although they had a significant partnership of 60 runs for the second wicket between Mahmudul Hasan Joy (scoring 33 from 65 balls with four boundaries) and Mominul Haque (contributing 47 from 84 balls also including four boundaries), as well as another strong alliance of 65 runs between Haque and captain Shanto (who made 60 from 105 deliveries featuring seven boundaries), these efforts weren’t enough to propel them toward an impressive total.
However, the visitors managed to contain the opposing batsmen effectively, apart from Jaker Ali (who scored 58 runs off 111 balls including four boundaries and a six). He remained at the crease until the conclusion, ensuring that Bangladesh surpassed the 250-run milestone.
The outstanding bowler for Zimbabwe was Muzarabani, who achieved figures of 6/72. Additionally, Masakadza claimed 2/20.
Bangladesh took control with a lead of 173 runs, setting the visiting team a target of 174 runs to win. An impressive 95-run partnership at the top by Brian (who scored 54 off 81 deliveries including seven boundaries and one maximum) along with Curran’s contribution of 44 from 75 balls featuring seven fours inflicted significant damage despite Miraz’s heroic effort with his second consecutive five-wicket haul (5/50). In pursuit, Madhevere’s unbeaten 19* alongside an undefeated knock of 4* from Richard Ngarava enabled Zimbabwe to achieve their target, leaving them with just three wickets remaining.
Muzarabani received the ‘Player of the Match’ accolade. (ANI)
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
Syndigate.info
).
