Just when the second Test between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe looked like heading for a draw, Shakib Al Hasan showed his class and helped his team clinch the rubber to go 2-0 up in the three-match series at Khulna.
Shakib finished with a fifer in the second innings to bundle the touring party for a paltry 151 as the hosts finished a comprehensive 162 runs win. The left-hander also contributed with the bat in the first innings and made a hundred.
Bangladesh batsmen showed more intent in the second Test and put price on their wickets. Tamim Iqbal and Shakib scored centuries in the first innings, while Mahmudullah chipped in with half-centuries in both the innings. Skipper Mushfiqur Rahim, however, faltered with the bat.
“We needed the win and knew it was not going to be easy,” Rahim said. “Shakib is a very special player. There was a big improvement in our batting from Tamim and Shakib. There are areas to improve, especially in our batting and we’ll think about our tactics and work on them.”
“It’s obvious both teams dropped many catches and we need to work on them,” he added. “We know why Shakib is special – with bat, ball and in the field – and all the young guys are inspired him. I’m happy for the whole team and hopefully it will continue.”
The draw was looming ever since Bangladesh’s first innings but Zimbabwe ensured that somehow there is a result. There were always question marks over Zimbabwe’s ability of playing the turning ball and Bangladesh exploited their weakness.
“It was disappointing,” Taylor said. “You work hard for 4.5 days and get blown away like that, it’s a hard thing to swallow but Bangladesh were the better side. Credit to them and to Masakadza and Waller for playing well.”
“Our bowlers held their own to restrict Bangladesh and we should have scored bigger in the first innings,” he added. “They’ve got some pretty good spinners, especially on the last day. We need to have a look at some of our dismissals. There’s still a Test match to go…”
