Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
ZIMBABWE gave away a good start to the second test against Bangladesh after losing five wickets for 27 runs in the final session to end the day on 227 for 9 in Chattogram.
After winning the first test, Zimbabwe went into the decider with a lot of confidence and opted to bat after winning the toss.
Openers Brian Bennett and Ben Curran were fluent before they both departed for 21 runs each as the Chevrons went to lunch at 89 for two.
Veteran Sean Williams and youngster Nich Welch continued with the good form and guided the team tea without losing another wicket, with both batters reaching 50 along the way as Zimbabwe ended the second session on 162 for two.
The horror of the final session started with Welch who had been fluent all along retiring hurt after suffering cramps and captain Craig Ervine then joined Williams on the crease but the two veterans did not stay together for a long time.
Young Wessly Madhevere came in, but soon back as wickets started to fall like a deck of cards.
Taijul Islam sparked Zimbabwe’s batting collapse finishing the day with 5 for 60 as he raced to his 16th five-wicket haul of his career.
The visitors were steadily batting at 200 for 4 at one stage, before Taijul got into the act with three quick wickets and a run-out.
Zimbabwe eventually finished day one on 227 for 9, a far cry from how positively they had started their innings.
The Chevrons will start the second day on the backfoot having been firmly in the driving seat at one point.
Zimbabwe are looking to end a 14-year Test series drought after last winning a series as far back as 2011.
The Chevrons won an intriguing first Test by 3 wickets in Sylhet last week and will be looking to seal the series with at least a draw in the second.
