DHAKA, June 28, (V7N) — Bangladesh squandered a promising position with a dramatic batting collapse to be bowled out for just 140 in their first innings on the opening day of the one-off Test against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club on Sunday.
After slipping to 36-2, Bangladesh appeared to have steadied the innings through a 77-run third-wicket partnership between Mominul Haque and Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto.
Mominul led the resistance with a serene 60, his sixth score of fifty or more in his last eight Test innings. His 12-boundary knock was the lone bright spot in an otherwise disappointing batting display.
Shanto contributed 19 before Mominul's dismissal, caught by Craig Ervine off fast bowler Newman Nyamhuri, who triggered a sensational collapse. Bangladesh, who were 113-3 at that stage, lost their remaining seven wickets for just 27 runs.
Only opener Shadman Islam (20) also reached double figures, while opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy was trapped leg-before by Nyamhuri for 2 early in the innings. Brad Evans removed Shadman to leave Bangladesh reeling at 36-2.
The collapse also exposed Bangladesh's inexperienced middle order, with debutants Towhid Hridoy and Amite Hasan managing just 3 and 4 respectively.
Left-arm pacer Newman Nyamhuri starred with career-best figures of 4-61 to spearhead Zimbabwe's attack.
Captain Richard Ngarava, Brad Evans and Blessing Muzarabani provided excellent support, claiming two wickets each as Bangladesh folded cheaply after electing to bat first.
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