SYLHET – Sean Williams scored a responsible half-centuries to rescue visiting Zimbabwe from debacle as the visitors scored 236 for 5 at stumps against Bangladesh on the first day of the first Test of two-match Test series at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium today.
Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam made early inroads with the new ball, dismissing opener Brian Chari for 13. Chari needlessly charged a straight ball and was bowled. Taijul then bagged the prize scalp of one down Brendon Tailor (6), who gave a catch to Nazmul Hossain at silly point, after Zimbabwe won the toss and opted to bat first.
Skipper Hamilton Masakadza looked firm on wicket scoring a his half-century before the lunch break but immediately became trapped leg before wicket by pacer Aby Jayed’s delivery in the first over of the second session. He contributed 52 from 105 balls hitting 4 fours and 2 sixes.
Nazmul Islam celebrated his maiden international wicket making clean bowled to Sikandar Raza for 19, leaving Zimbabwe in deep trouble.
Zimbabwe desperately needed a solid partnership in this crucial stage to revive the innings. Sean Williams and Peter Moor took the responsibility to stop the rot as they duo made recovery for Zimbabwe as they put on 72 runs for the fifth-wicket.
When Sean Williams was on course for a century skipper Mahmudullah Riyad, known for his ability to break partnerships, brought himself on and removed Williams after a solid 88-run knock from the left-hander.
Williams played against the spin to get a thick edge, which Mehidy Hasan brilliantly grabbed diving his left in the first slip. Williams smashed nine fours in his resolute 88 off 173 balls knock.
In the end, Moor and Regis Chakabva ensured Zimbabwe’s not further damage in the final session dealing with the spinners confidently. Moor was unbeaten on 37 while Regis Chakabva was 20- as the umpire removed the bails for the first day.
Abu Jayed claimed two wickets for 86 runs while Mahmudullah, Nazmul Islam, Abu Jayed shared one wickets apiece giving away 2, 42 and 61 runs respectively.
Brief score:
Zimbabwe 1st innings– 236 for 5, Williams 88, Masakadza 52, Raza 19, Moor 37 batting , Chakabva 20 batting, Taijul 2/86.
