As Day 3 of the 1st Test between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe unfolds at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, hosts Bangladesh have shown they are in command with both bat and ball, keeping Zimbabwe under pressure as they push towards an early lead. Fans are keeping a keen eye on every over as Bangladesh push for dominance with bat and ball.
Bangladesh resumed Day Three with an early edge against Zimbabwe by taking early wickets in their first innings. Right-arm pacer Khaled Ahmed struck early, dismissing Zimbabwe overnight batsman Craig Ervine for 28. Soon afterwards Mehidy Hasan Miraz trapped captain Sean Williams leg-before for 17 runs and claimed another scalp for Bangladesh.
By lunch, Zimbabwe had slumped to 112/5 in response to Bangladesh’s mammoth first innings total of 362. Wicketkeeper-batsman Regis Chakabva and all-rounder Sikandar Raza attempted to steer Zimbabwe through with their tireless partnership, but Bangladesh spinners made every run hard-won.
Bangladeshi bowlers exploited a variable bounce and spin pitch in Sylhet to great effect, maintaining tight lines while taking full advantage of its surface. Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan continued their spinnery to trouble Zimbabwe’s middle order with both turns and flights; by tea time Zimbabwe still trailed by 184 runs with no follow-on potential in sight.
Early in the match, Bangladesh had put on an impressive show with their top-order contributing to a commanding position by Day 2, led by Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s patient 85 and Mominul Haque’s swift 72 runs. Mehidy Hasan’s quick 47 helped further cement their win.
News18’s live coverage offers fans ball-by-ball updates, scorecard analysis, and expert commentary – fans have taken to social media platforms like Twitter to applaud Bangladesh’s disciplined performance and Zimbabwe’s spirited resistance despite mounting scoreboard pressure.
As Day 3 unfolds, all eyes are focused on whether Bangladesh will enforce the follow-on or seek to extend their lead by batting again and further increasing their lead. With home supporters behind their team and bowlers finding rhythm, Zimbabwe must find ways to survive this day and keep the Test alive.
Stay tuned to News18 for live updates, scorecards and complete coverage from Sylhet as the first Test races towards its thrilling conclusion.