Bangladesh seized control at the end of a dramatic Day 1 against Zimbabwe in the ongoing Test match. After being under pressure for a couple of sessions, the hosts stormed back spectacularly in the final session, led by Taijul Islam’s five-wicket haul and supported by Nayeem Hasan’s crucial breakthroughs.

Zimbabwe started the day steadily, showing excellent application against the Bangladeshi bowlers. Their top order seemed comfortable at the crease, with the visitors reaching 177 for 2 at one stage. The platform was set for a big first-innings score. However, the momentum shifted drastically post-tea.

The turning point came when Joylord Welch, who had been batting solidly, had to retire hurt just after tea. The disruption in Zimbabwe’s batting order proved to be a catalyst for Bangladesh. Craig Ervine walked in but could not make an impact, falling to the guile of Nayeem Hasan. Soon after, Sean Williams was dismissed thanks to a spectacular catch taken by Tanzim Hasan Sakib off Nayeem's bowling, lifting the hosts' spirits.

After that, Taijul Islam took complete control. Operating with unerring accuracy and exploiting the slight turn on offer, he ran through the middle and lower order. Zimbabwe’s batting lineup crumbled rapidly, losing wickets in clusters. From a commanding 177 for 2, they plummeted to a precarious 227 for 9 by stumps.

Welch returned to bat after Zimbabwe lost their eighth wicket but lasted only two deliveries before Taijul bowled him. His return could not stem the tide, and the visitors looked completely rattled.

At stumps, Zimbabwe ended at 227 for 9 after 90 overs, scoring at a modest run rate of 2.52. Blessing Muzarabani and Tafadzwa Tsiga were at the crease, struggling to stitch together a last-wicket partnership. While Muzarabani scored 2 runs off 15 balls, Tsiga remained unbeaten on 18 off 59 balls, fighting hard to extend Zimbabwe’s innings into Day 2.

Among the bowlers, Mehidy Hasan Miraz also bowled tightly, maintaining pressure even though he didn’t get a wicket by stumps. His figures of 21-7-44-0 showed his value in containing runs from one end.

For Bangladesh, this was a near-perfect day’s end after two challenging sessions. The bowlers’ perseverance paid off, and now the hosts will look to wrap up Zimbabwe’s innings quickly tomorrow morning. With the pitch already offering some assistance to the spinners, Bangladesh would aim to build a solid first-innings lead and put themselves in a strong position in the Test.

Day 2 promises more excitement as Bangladesh seek to capitalize on their advantage while Zimbabwe hopes for a miracle from the tailenders.

Stay tuned for more action tomorrow!