Bangladesh leads by 112 as Shanto and Zaker anchor recovery

Sports Reporter Published: 22 April 2025, 06:08 PM

Nazmul Hossan Shanto and Zaker Ali react after a delivery on the third day of first test against Zimbabwe in Sylhet on Tuesday. – AFP Photo

Bangladesh staged a spirited comeback on Day Three of the Sylhet Test, turning the momentum in their favor after a shaky start to the match. After trailing Zimbabwe by 82 runs in the first innings, the Tigers ended the day with a 112-run lead, reaching 194 for 4 in their second innings before bad light brought play to a close.

The turnaround was led by captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto and wicketkeeper-batter Zaker Ali, who showed resilience under pressure. The pair added an unbeaten 39-run partnership, steadying the innings and offering hope for a strong finish.

Shanto, leading from the front, brought up his fifth Test fifty. He remained unbeaten on 60 off 103 deliveries, hitting 7 boundaries. Zaker Ali provided solid support, ending the day on 21 off 60 balls with 3 boundaries.

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh resumed their second innings on 57 for 1. Rain delayed the start, with play beginning at 1 PM after persistent morning drizzle. There were concerns that weather might wipe out the day’s action, but fortunately, enough time was salvaged to allow 43.2 overs of play.

Opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy was the first to fall on Day Three. In the seventh over of the day, he edged a delivery from Blessing Muzarabani to Craig Ervine at first slip, departing for 33 off 65 balls.

Shanto then partnered with Mominul Haque to stabilise the innings. The duo added a crucial 65-run stand for the third wicket. Mominul looked set for another fifty, having scored one in the first innings, but fell just short on 47. He was caught behind off Victor Nyauchi on the last ball of the 35th over.

Bangladesh suffered another blow when veteran Mushfiqur Rahim fell cheaply. He managed only 4 runs from 20 balls before being caught at slip off Muzarabani, leaving the team on 155 for 4 just before the tea break.

Despite the setbacks, Bangladesh ended the day on a positive note, thanks to the composed batting of Shanto and Zaker. With six wickets in hand and a 112-run lead, the hosts will look to extend their advantage and set Zimbabwe a challenging target on Day Four.