Williams Hits Fifty To Guide Zimbabwe 149-4

Sean Williams scored an unbeaten half-century but Bangladesh kept Zimbabwe in check through regular strikes in the first Test in Sylhet on Saturday.

Sylhet, Bangladesh,(APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Nov, 2018 ) :Sean Williams scored an unbeaten half-century but Bangladesh kept Zimbabwe in check through regular strikes in the first Test in Sylhet on Saturday.

Williams hit 53 not out as Zimbabwe reached 149-4 by tea on the opening day after skipper Hamilton Masakadza won the toss and opted to bat first at the Sylhet International cricket Stadium, which was hosting its maiden Test.

Masakadza also made 52 before he fell in the first over of the second session when he was hit plumb on the back foot by fast bowler Abu Jayed.

Debutant left-arm spinner Nazmul islam bowled Sikandar Raza for 19 for his maiden wicket to give Bangladesh their second success in the session.

The opening session belonged to Masakadza and left-arm spinner Taijul Islam, who claimed two wickets as the two teams shared the honours.

Masakadza led the early charge with two sixes off Taijul and four fours but could have been dismissed by debutant medium pacer Arfiul Haque if Bangladesh had reviewed a leg-before appeal.

The field umpire had turned down the appeal but replay indicated that the ball had hit the stumps after pitching outside off.

Bangladesh earlier reviewed a leg-before appeal against Brian Chari off spinner Taijul in vain as replay showed that the ball took a feather touch on the bat before hitting the pad.

Taijul soon bowled Chari, who tried to play with a cross bat but failed to connect the ball, with a flatter delivery that kept low.

The spinner then had Brendan Taylor caught by Nazmul Hossain at forward short leg.

Bangladesh left out Mustafizur Rahman, Mohammad Mithun, Shafiul Islam, Khaled Ahmed and handed a Test debut to all-rounder Ariful and left-arm spinner Nazmul.

Brandon Mavuta and Wellington Masakadza are also making their Test debut for Zimbabwe.