Rain Interrupts, But Shanto Stays Solid for Bangladesh

If you thought Test matches in the subcontinent were predictable, this one in Sylhet has ripped that script apart. After Zimbabwe walked off with a surprise 82-run first-innings lead, Bangladesh looked adrift. Wet weather — never far off in April — only added to the drama, letting just 44 overs sneak into Day 3. But while fans checked the radar, Najmul Hossain Shanto was out there, quietly rewriting the plot.

Bangladesh had started Day 3 at 57-1, still nursing wounds from a shaky first dig that ended at 191. Momentum looked up for grabs and the home crowd was anxious for an anchor. Cue Mominul Haque and Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who kept things ticking with a handy 60-run stand. Joy chipped in 33 before Zimbabwe’s frontline seamer, Blessing Muzarabani, found his edge. Moments later, Muzarabani forced another breakthrough, catching Mushfiqur Rahim behind. As wickets tumbled, the game was starting to slip again.

Shanto was the difference. His unbeaten 60, stitched together with calm and precision, refused to let Zimbabwe run away. Jaker Ali offered steady support from the other end with 21 not out — mostly leaving, defending, and making sure Bangladesh didn’t throw away the new advantage. By the time the light faded and rain returned, Bangladesh had flipped the script: 194-4, boasting a 112-run lead and suddenly looking like they’re steering the ship.

Zimbabwe’s Push and the Pressure on Both Sides

Credit where it’s due: Zimbabwe started strong after that gritty first-innings 273, which was larger than it looked on this pitch. The combination of Zimbabwe’s attack, led by Muzarabani’s quick bounce and sharp swing (he now boasts figures of 3-51), made every run a scrap. Wickets fell during testing spells, but Bangladesh’s willingness to absorb pressure stood out.

Conditions in Sylhet haven’t been friendly. Rain chopped up play. The wicket, turning more every session, offered help to spinners and the odd quick. Mehidy Hasan Miraz made his mark earlier in the game with a crucial five-wicket haul. But with several senior Bangladesh players missing — meaning young guns like Shanto and Jaker had to do the heavy lifting — there were nerves in the stands and on the field. Even with a history that favors them (eight wins in 18 previous Tests against Zimbabwe), this wasn’t a walkover, and everyone knew it.

Now, with an unexpected lead, Bangladesh have the edge, but the pressure stays high. They’ll want to extend the lead fast on what’s turning into a tricky fourth-day pitch. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, will back their bowlers to do damage early, knowing another flurry of wickets could bring them right back into it.

The series moves to Chattogram on April 28 for the second Test. But for now, all eyes stay fixed on Sylhet — on weather updates, the next ball, and Shanto’s measured stroke play. Cricket’s old drama: only the next session will say who really holds the cards.