Islamabad, 28 April 2025: Taijul Islam led a dramatic collapse in Zimbabwe’s batting lineup on the opening day of the second Test in Chattogram, taking his 16th career five-wicket haul.
Zimbabwe, at one point solidly placed at 200 for 4, finished the day at 227 for 9, following a devastating spell from Taijul that included three quick wickets and a run-out.
Sean Williams top-scored for Zimbabwe with a gritty 67, while Nick Welch contributed 54 before being forced off the field with cramps shortly after tea.
Taijul claimed Welch as his fifth wicket. Nayeem Hasan and debutant Tanzim Hasan also played their part, picking up two and one wickets, respectively.
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Zimbabwe began positively, with Brian Bennett hitting five boundaries in the first ten overs, including a memorable straight drive and cover drive.
However, his promising start was cut short when Tanzim claimed his first Test wicket, dismissing Bennett after a well-judged catch behind the stumps.
Bangladesh had a chance to remove Welch soon after, but Shadman Islam dropped an easy catch off the batsman when he was on just one.
Welch, alongside Ben Curran, launched a series of sixes, but Taijul struck, dismissing Curran for 21.
Zimbabwe managed to stabilize in the second session, with Williams showing his class, hitting six boundaries and a six off Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
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Despite a slight mix-up between Williams and Welch, which went unpunished, Zimbabwe’s position weakened after tea.
Welch was forced off with cramps, and Nayeem dismissed Zimbabwe’s captain Craig Ervine for just five.
Williams, who had earlier looked composed, was also dismissed by Tanzim for 67.
Taijul continued his assault in the final session, picking up key wickets, including that of Wessly Madhevere.
With two more wickets in his first over with the second new ball, he completed his five-wicket haul, leaving Zimbabwe struggling to stay in the contest.
