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On a rain-interrupted third day of the first Test between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, the hosts showed admirable resilience and grit, led by skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, as they attempted to claw their way back into the match after conceding a first-innings lead. At stumps on Day 3, Bangladesh were 194 for 4, securing a 112-run advantage with six wickets still in hand.
The day’s play at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium was heavily disrupted by adverse weather conditions. Rain washed out the entire morning session, and bad light forced play to end early, limiting the total action to just 44 overs. Despite the shortened play, the contest produced moments of intensity and momentum shifts, keeping the Test finely balanced heading into Day 4.
Najmul Hossain Shanto steers Bangladesh’s second innings after early wobble
Zimbabwe began the day with the upper hand, having taken an 82-run lead in the first innings. Their pace duo of Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava made an immediate impact with the new ball. Muzarabani provided the early breakthrough, removing opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy and setting the tone for a disciplined bowling performance.
However, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain rose to the occasion, anchoring the innings with a calm and composed knock. Displaying maturity and control, Shanto weathered the early storm and counterattacked with fluent strokes, including seven well-timed boundaries. His intent to steady the innings and build a foundation for a bigger lead was evident from the outset.
Shanto found a reliable partner in Jaker Ali, who remained unbeaten on 21 by the end of the day’s play. The pair ensured that Bangladesh did not crumble under pressure, slowly rebuilding after the early setback. Their partnership held firm even as Zimbabwe struck twice in the middle session, dismissing veteran campaigners Mushfiqur Rahim and Mominul Haque.
Mominul looked particularly assured during his stay at the crease, compiling a vital 47 runs and adding stability to the middle order. His knock was eventually ended by Victor Nyauchi, who emerged as a key contributor for Zimbabwe with a disciplined spell of bowling.
Day 3, Stumps
Bangladesh: 194/4, lead by 112 runs 🏏
– Najmul Hossain Shanto: 60*
– Mominul Haque: 47#Cricket #BANvZIM #NajmulHossainShanto #BangladeshCricket pic.twitter.com/UzuZRCpXCs— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) April 22, 2025
Also WATCH: Blessing Muzarabani sends Hasan Mahmud packing with a peach of a delivery – BAN vs ZIM first Test
Weather adds another twist to a balanced Test in Sylhet
Zimbabwe will likely be left ruing missed chances, the most notable being a dropped catch by wicketkeeper Nyasha Mayavo when Shanto was batting on 26. The let-off proved costly, as Shanto capitalized on the opportunity to anchor the innings and help Bangladesh regain some control.
While the hosts may feel marginally ahead thanks to their growing lead, the weather continues to be a significant factor in the match. With only a few overs bowled on Day 3 and more rain predicted for Day 4, both teams face the prospect of having to adjust their strategies to the shortened playing time.
For Bangladesh, the plan will be to extend their lead further, ideally past 200, and give their bowlers enough time to push for a result despite the weather interruptions. On the other hand, Zimbabwe will be keen to make early inroads on Day 4, hoping to wrap up the remaining six wickets quickly and chase a manageable target.
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