The second Test between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe is heading to a draw after the fourth day and Bangladesh will take it with both hands, as they are leading the two-match series 1-0, after snatching a narrow win in the opening rubber.
This has not been a good year for the Tigers and a series win will certainly boost their confidence for the forthcoming big series. The match might have been heading for a stalemate but a much improved batting performance from the hosts certainly made quite a few headlines.
Opener Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan made fine centuries in the first innings, while Mahmudullah scored well-compiled fifties in both the innings. The hosts made most of the opportunity of a flat Khulna deck and showed they are more than capable with the bat.
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, also displayed the patience and resilience in the whites and managed to get close to the 433 runs total made by the hosts. Their one-off performance does not show that they belong to the longer format, but yes they are on a right track.
Nevertheless, the wicket at the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium is enabling batsmen to pile huge runs and the Bangladesh team has already build a solid 266 runs lead over the touring party. Getting a result, however, is unlikely as it would require a Zimbabwe batting collapse on the final day.
Earlier in the day, Zimbabwe finished their first innings on 368, with Hamilton Mazakadza (158) and Regis Chakabva (101) scoring hundreds for the visitors. Zimbabwe’s tail, however, couldn’t contribute much in the first innings and that would be a worrying factor for them on Day 5.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, played well in the second innings as well and managed to post 201 at stumps on Day 4, with Mahmudullah (63 not out) and Shuvagata Hom (23 not out) on the crease.
