Zimbabwe Take 82-Run Lead as Miraz Claims Five in Sylhet Test

Zimbabwe have seized the advantage in the second Test against Bangladesh in Sylhet, taking an 82-run first-innings lead after posting 273 in reply to the hosts' 191. The Zimbabwean innings was halted by a clinical display of spin bowling from Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who bagged a brilliant five-wicket haul, conceding just 52 runs. This marked his 11th five-wicket haul in Test cricket—three of which have come against Zimbabwe.

The day began well for Bangladesh, with pacers Nahid Rana and Hasan Mahmud combining to take four wickets in the morning session. However, the middle session saw Bangladesh pick up just two wickets, allowing Zimbabwe to stabilize and build their lead.

Veteran Sean Williams played a key role, scoring 59 runs after opener Brian Bennett laid the foundation with a composed half-century. Wesley Madhevere added 24 runs in the middle order, and wicketkeeper-batter Nyasha Mayavo chipped in with 35.

Late-order contributions further strengthened Zimbabwe’s position. Richard Ngarava remained unbeaten on a vital 28*, while No. 10 batter Blessing Muzarabani added an effective 17. Their lower-order resistance ensured Zimbabwe finished their innings on 273 just after the tea break on Day 2.

In total, Bangladesh's three pacers claimed five wickets, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz single-handedly took the other five, spinning a web around the Zimbabwean batters to close out the innings.

The second Test is being played at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, with Zimbabwe looking to press home their first-innings advantage in the coming days.