After losing two quick wickets, Bangladesh found stability through a composed partnership between left-handers Mominul Haque and Najmul Hossain Shanto, reaching 84 for 2 at lunch on day one of the Sylhet Test against Zimbabwe.
Both batters remained unbeaten at the break. Shanto played positively, scoring a brisk 30 off 43 balls with five boundaries, while Mominul adopted a more cautious approach, making 21 off 46 deliveries with two fours.
Earlier in the morning, Victor Nyauchi struck in consecutive overs to remove both Bangladesh openers. After dismissing Shadman Islam, he followed up by removing Mahmudul Hasan Joy.
Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine introduced Nyauchi in the ninth over. His first delivery was well outside leg stump, followed by a no-ball, but he struck with his fourth. A slightly angled delivery outside off prompted Shadman to attempt a straight drive, but he mistimed it. The ball carried to gully, where Brian Bennett made no mistake, ending the 31-run opening stand. Shadman scored 12 off 23 with one boundary.
Joy didn’t last much longer. Trying to drive a delivery outside off, he edged it to wicketkeeper Nyasha Mayavo and departed for 14 off 35 balls, including two boundaries.
Bangladesh were reduced to 32 for 2 in 10.4 overs. From there, Mominul and Shanto steadied the innings, adding 52 crucial runs to see the hosts safely to lunch.
Bd-Pratidin English/ARK
