ZIM vs BAN, Only Test, Day 2 Review: Zimbabwe start solid after Mahmudullah, Taskin Ahmed's record stand flatten bowlers

A record ninth-wicket partnership between Mahmudullah and Taskin Ahmed headlined on the second day in Harare, which took visitors to a score they would not have thought of reaching even in wild dreams at the end of the first day. Having been reduced to 132/6 at one stage on opening day, the duo’s resilient 191-run alliance took Bangladesh to 468 after resuming on 294/8 overnight.

The excruciating wait for wickets lasted nearly two sessions for Zimbabwe as both the batters swelled up their overnight stand of 24 to 134 by Lunch in what was a wicketless first session. Already added 138 yesterday alongside Liton Das, Mahmudullah denied dropping guard as he continued to add to his team’s tally in the face of a visibly frustrated opponent attack, the signs of which were evident from as early as the second over of the day.

Helped in no small cause by Ahmed, who notched up his maiden half-century while playing a perfect foil, Mahmudullah scored his fifth Test ton. The seemingly perpetual collaboration did come to an end when Milton Shumba knocked over Ahmed for a well-made 75, but not before 276 balls were consumed by the two men who looked on a serious mission. It did not take long for Blessing Muzarabani to draw curtains as he trapped Ebadot Hossain for an eight-ball duck, leaving at the other end Mahmudullah unbeaten on 150 off 278, which had 17 fours and a six.

Zimbabwe’s sturdy response 

With the advantage gone in the drain after their opponent’s significant rearguard, Zimbabwe ensured that they dug themselves in, not letting the tiredness show despite two long days in the field. The openers – Milton Shumba and Takudzwanashe Kaitano – exhibited attrition and patience, digging themselves deep during their 61-run stand that lasted a good 27 overs.

Bangladesh tasted first success when Shumba messed a sweep off Shakib al Hasan and was rapped on the pads plumb to walk back for 41, including seven boundaries. Coming in to bat in a tricky phase, Brendan Taylor did not hesitate to go for his strokes, as he played his part in Zimbabwe’s second half-century stand in as many wickets.

Taylor stood unbeaten on 37 off 46, with 24 of those runs coming in boundaries, while a more patient and solid Kaitano blocked out 117 balls for his 33. With neither Craig Ervine nor Sean Williams in their ranks, the hosts need similar nous throughout their innings should they fancy being in the fight.