Rubel Hossain helped Bangladesh to score their highest runs against Zimbabwe, breaking the previous record of 488 runs scored almost 10 years ago. At once stage Bangladesh were 9 down for 452, but Rubel scored unbeaten 45 to help his team pass the 500 mark. He hit 4 sixes and added valuable 51 runs in the tenth wicket with Jubaer Hossain.But Bangladesh could have scored more than 500 with ease if not the top batsmen once again threw their wickets away. Shakib scored 71 on the day and was looking to get another century but suddenly he gave wicket to part time spinner Sikander Raza. At the end of the day Zimbabwe gave a strong reply as they are 113 for 1.
In the day’s match, replying to Tigers’ 503 in 153.4 overs, the visiting side opened their first innings and scored 113 runs in 26 overs after losing opening batsman Brian Chari for duck facing six balls. Chari was caught by skipper Mushfiqur Rahim off pacer Rubel Hossain.
Another opener Sikandar Raza and with one down Hamilton Masakadza were batting on 54 and 51 runs respectively at stumps on the 2nd day.
Bangladesh earlier resumed the first innings on 2nd day (Thursday) with overnight 303 for 2 by virtue of a record 224-run opening stand in the Test format by Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes on day one, and eventually scored highest-ever first innings total of 503 runs and also the highest against Zimbabwe.
The highest-ever score came after an entertaining 51-run partnership by Rubel Hossain and Jubair Hossain in 13.3 overs in the 10th wicket stand, leapfrogging the previous best of 488 set in 2005.
Number ten Rubel Hossain smashed career-best unbeaten 45 runs off 44 balls with two fours and four sixes.
All rounder Shakib Al Hasan scored 2nd days’ highest 71 runs off 110 with seven fours before he was caught at cover by Craig Ervine with a brilliant diving effort off Sikandar Raza which saw the demise of hope for a longer stay for the home side in the middle and a quicker run-rate.
After the departure of Shakib with Bangladesh at 428 for 6 in 130.5 overs, Taijul Islam and Shafiul Islam also returned to the pavilion for 1 and 10 runs respectively.
Shuvagata Hom scored 35 runs off 65 balls with three fours before he was run out in the 14.1 over by Richmond Mutumbami off Shingi Masakadza, following a mix-up with Rubel Hossain leaving team score at 452 for 9.
After taking the first run quickly, Shuvagata tried to take the second, but Rubel refused, allowing Mutumbami to remove the bails.
Overnight batsman Mominul Haque added more 2 runs to score 48 off 100 balls with three fours; another overnight batsman Mahmudullah was sent back for 16 runs off 68 balls with a four; skipper Mushfiqur Rahim scored 15 runs off 36 balls with a four while Jubair Hossain added 5 off 39 balls.
Zimbabwean part-time off-spinner Sikandar Raza was the most successful bowler who grabbed three wickets for 123 runs in 36 overs while Hamilton Masakadza, Tinashe Panyangara and Shingi Masakadza took two wickets each for 23, 70 and 77 runs respectively. – News Desk
