Run fest at Mirpur

The one-off Test series against Zimbabwe was dubbed to be the agent to bring the short-in-confidence Bangladeshi batsmen back on track, which they lost while playing against teams like India, Pakistan and well, surprisingly against Afghanistan. Thus, the opportunity was created so that the Bangladeshi batters could rediscover their mojo. On the third day, one could only witness daddy hundreds of Bangladesh batters and the miseries of Zimbabwe bowlers.

The Zimbabwean bowlers were toothless since they plucked the third wicket of Bangladesh. Neither they adjusted their line nor got the length right nor did they can exploit the conditions. The overnight not out batters – Mushfiqur Rahim and Mominul Haque cashed in big time.

They stitched a 222-run stand for the fourth wicket against a weak Zimbabwean attack, and after Mominul was eventually dismissed from the crease Mushfiq batted as if he could bat 10 more days without a rest extending Bangladesh's lead to a massive 295 before the declaration came. This is Bangladesh's second-highest first innings lead; the highest being 397 batting first against West Indies in October 2018.

Batting was like a cakewalk – there was no need to be a hundred percent accurate in back lift, defence or footwork – the cut, pull and drives through the onside, cover and point regions came at regular intervals. Each stroke boosted the confidence of Mominul Haque, who promised a ton before the start of the match, while Mushfiq notched up his third double ton – two of them came against Zimbabwe. It is a pity that he would not feature in Karachi Test, while it would have been better to play Mahmudullah Riyad to lift up his spirit by bashing the toothless Zimbabwean attack.

Again, Mushfiq’s half-century, hundred, hundred and fifty and double ton came up with boundaries - which were either played through point or glided through the gully. Zimbabwe left the third man area vacant for most of the day, which was quite surprising.

Liton Kumar Das then joined the party to name a half-century to his name.

It turned out to be an exhibition match between men against boys!

Bangladesh not only batted Zimbabwe out of the match but put them in muddy waters with two quick wickets at the fag end of third day. Bangladesh are charged up and it would take a matter of time for them to wrap things up on Day 4 until and unless inclement weather interferes or Zimbabwe put up a defiant resistance.

Note: This article has been published at Cricketsoccer as CSdesk on 24/02/2020 Run fest at Mirpur  

Thank You

Faisal Caesar