Bangladesh look in a strong position against Zimbabwe after Mehidy century

In a match that could define the momentum of the series, Bangladesh have taken firm control against Zimbabwe, thanks largely to an unexpected yet heroic century from Mehidy Hasan Miraz. What started as a cautious effort to steady the innings transformed into a dominant display of resilience and maturity—two traits not always associated with lower-order batters, especially in high-pressure international games.

Let’s dive into how Mehidy’s century turned the tide in Bangladesh’s favour and why the Tigers are now sitting comfortably in the driver’s seat.

A Gritty Beginning: Context of the Match

Coming into this Test match, both Bangladesh and Zimbabwe had points to prove. Zimbabwe, often seen as underdogs, were eager to showcase that they could still challenge higher-ranked teams. Bangladesh, on the other hand, were looking to solidify their home dominance and move past a few shaky recent performances.

The pitch at Mirpur offered signs of early turn and bounce, especially for spinners, and Zimbabwe’s bowlers used that well in the opening spells. Bangladesh’s top order faltered under pressure, losing quick wickets and leaving the middle and lower-middle order with the task of rebuilding. At one point, they were reeling at 170 for 6, with Zimbabwe sensing an opportunity to wrap things up quickly.

Mehidy Hasan’s Century: A Masterclass in Composure

Enter Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

Known more for his off-spin bowling than his batting, Mehidy wasn’t exactly expected to produce a match-defining innings. But cricket is a sport where roles can be rewritten, and Mehidy did exactly that.

Batting at number eight, Mehidy initially took his time to assess the conditions. He focused on strike rotation, played with soft hands, and waited patiently for the bad balls to come. His early partnership with the tailenders, particularly with Taijul Islam and later with Khaled Ahmed, allowed him to grow in confidence.

What stood out was not just the runs, but the way he made them—measured footwork against spin, clever use of the crease, and an increasing number of confident strokes through the off-side once he crossed fifty. By the time he reached his hundred, Mehidy had not only brought Bangladesh back into the game but had also crushed Zimbabwe’s hopes of a first-innings lead.

Final score? A gritty 103 off 167 balls.
Strike rate? Just over 61—ideal for a situation that demanded balance.

The Psychological Edge: Why This Matters

Cricket isn’t just about numbers on the scoreboard. Momentum, confidence, and psychological edges matter just as much. Mehidy’s century didn’t just give Bangladesh runs—it gave them belief.

For Zimbabwe, the wicket of Mehidy would have signaled the end of the innings. But with him anchoring from one end, the lower order batted freely. Bangladesh added nearly 120 runs for the last three wickets—runs Zimbabwe hadn’t budgeted for. It shifted the pressure squarely back onto the visitors.

Moreover, when a team sees a player known for bowling putting up a century, it boosts morale. It sets a tone: we’re not going down easy.

Zimbabwe’s Struggles: Missed Opportunities

While Mehidy deserves full credit, Zimbabwe will be ruing missed chances. A dropped catch when he was on 48 and a couple of misfields allowed Bangladesh to keep the scoreboard ticking.

Their bowlers—especially Blessing Muzarabani and Wellington Masakadza—started well but seemed to lose intensity during the crucial tail-end resistance. There was a lack of variety, and once Mehidy got set, the field placements didn’t adapt quickly enough. Their spinners, expected to do more damage on a turning pitch, were too defensive in their approach.

Bangladesh’s Game Plan: Spinners to Exploit Day 3 and 4 Conditions

With a 1st innings total comfortably over 360, Bangladesh have the scoreboard cushion they need. Now, it’s over to their spin trio—Shakib Al Hasan, Taijul Islam, and Mehidy himself.

As the pitch continues to deteriorate, cracks and rough patches are forming, ideal for spin bowling. Bangladesh’s plan will likely be to apply pressure from both ends, dry up the runs, and induce errors. Given Zimbabwe’s historical struggles against quality spin in subcontinental conditions, this could be the beginning of a slow stranglehold.

Looking Ahead: What Can Zimbabwe Do?

To stay in the contest, Zimbabwe need a near-flawless batting performance. Their top order, led by captain Craig Ervine and opener Innocent Kaia, must show both patience and intent. Any collapse here could lead to a follow-on scenario, especially if Bangladesh are feeling aggressive.

Their key will be negotiating the first 30 overs without losing more than one or two wickets. Easier said than done against bowlers like Shakib and Mehidy, who can turn the ball and bowl with tight control.

Final Thoughts: A Match Turning into a Statement

This match is quickly becoming more than just a regular Test for Bangladesh—it’s turning into a statement. The kind of gritty, team-first cricket that Mehidy Hasan showcased with his century is what separates competitive sides from dominant ones.

If Bangladesh can capitalize on this momentum, wrap up Zimbabwe’s innings quickly, and push for a win, this could mark a new chapter where not just the stars, but even the workhorses like Mehidy rise to the occasion.

And for Zimbabwe? It’s now a test of character.