Mehidy Hasan Miraz put on an excellent all-round show as Bangladesh thrashed Zimbabwe by an innings and 106 runs in the second Test inside three days to finish the two-match Test series 1-1 at the Bir Shrestha Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram on Wednesday.
Mehidy scored the second hundred of his Test career to help Bangladesh take a lead of 217 runs in the first innings.听
The off-spinner then grabbed his 13th five-wicket haul to mark a dominating display by the hosts, who were trailing the series after losing the first Test in Sylhet.听
After a flurry of wickets on the second evening, the hosts began the third day 97 runs ahead with three wickets remaining as the Test was within the visitor鈥檚 grasp.
Mehidy鈥檚 partnership with Taijul was extended to 63 runs before the latter was stumped off by Vincent Masekesa in the 10th over of the morning with Bangladesh 115 runs ahead.听
Mehidy then kept faith in debutant Tanzim Hasan, who showed great skills and temperament. The duo batted for 26 overs and added 96 runs for the ninth wicket, which was Bangladesh鈥檚 fifth highest.听
The stand was broken when Tanzim鈥檚 attempt of a reverse sweep off Wessly Madhevere failed after scoring 41 valuable runs.
Mehidy was just two runs short of his hundred that time. But Hasan Mahmud made sure that Mehidy got his well-deserved landmark.
Mehidy got there with a single to the short fine-leg in 143 balls. The right-hander hit 11 fours and a six in his innings, which was ended by Masekesa, who became the third Zimbabwean to take a five-for on debut.听
With a hefty lead on the board, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto took no time to unleash his spinners as Taijul Islam opened the bowling.听
The left-arm spinner gave Bangladesh the first breakthrough as Brian Bennett nicked one to Shadman Islam at the second slip.
Nick Welch was trapped in front one ball later, and Zimbabwe went to tea break with 17-2.听
Nayeem Hasan saw the back of Sean Williams after the break as Zimbabwe became 22-3. Ben Curran鈥攚ho held the fort at one end鈥攁nd captain Craig Ervine showed some resistance before Mehidy joined the party.听
He took three wickets in two overs, including Ervine's, to put the visitors on the brink. Curran, who made 46 off 103, became the fifth victim of Mehidy.听
After the play was extended by 30 minutes with the result in sight, Bangladesh got the last wicket via a run-out. This was Bangladesh鈥檚 first win at home after six defeats on the bounce.听
But Captain Shanto wasn鈥檛 particularly happy when it came to his team鈥檚 performance in the series.听
听鈥楾o be very honest, I鈥檓 not very happy if you consider our performances overall in the two matches. We should have played better cricket. We should have won the series,鈥� said Shanto.
鈥榃e didn鈥檛 play the first match well but made a successful comeback in the second match,鈥� he added.听
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