Zimbabwe’s debutant leg spinner Vincent Masekesa has backed his teammates to launch a spirited fightback despite Bangladesh claiming a lead of 64 runs atvthe end of the second day of the second Test in Chattogram on Tuesday.
Bangladesh were 291-7 at the close, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz (16) and Taijul Islam (five) remaining not out, in response to Zimbabwe’s first innings total of 227.
Shadman recorded a career-best knock of 120 and partnered with Anamul Haque in a first-wicket stand of 118 runs, only the 10th time that Bangladesh’s openers had passed the 100-run mark in Tests.
Despite Shadman’s century, the other batsmen failed to exploit the dry and slow surface at Chattogram after a good start.
Masekesa took three wickets, including those of Bangladesh’s captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (33) and wicketkeeper batter Jaker Ali (23).
The 28-year-old leg spinner said although Bangladesh held the upper hand after their lead on the second day, Zimbabwe remain firmly in contention and would fight hard on the third day.
“They’re playing well, no doubt. But we’re still very much in this game,” Masekesa said after the Day’s play. “We’ll fight hard to keep things under control tomorrow,” he added.
Mominul Haque who added 76-run with Shadman for the second wicket was Masekesa’s debut wicket. Like a traditional legspinner he lured Mominul with a flighted delivery. The experienced batter looked determined for a slog sweep whatever came to his way and eventually skied it high toward deep mid wicket.
His flight delivery also helped him account for Shanto’s wicket in the crucial moment, triggering a collapse that saw Bangladesh lose four wickets for 20 runs to squander the healthy platform.
“Honestly, I wasn’t expecting that [first wicket] at that exact moment,” Masekesa said. “But it meant a lot. Representing Zimbabwe in Test cricket is a big opportunity, and I was really happy,” he added.
Although he got those two wickets without doing anything extra, Masekesa consistently landed the ball in right areas to keep Bangladesh batters on toes.
“Later in the day, the wicket tends to offer more help for spinners,” he explained. “But it’s also about putting the ball in the right areas and letting the pitch do the work.”
Masekesa however credited some of the game’s finest wrist spinners for shaping his journey and the list included Bangladesh leg spinner Rishad Hossain too.
“I am always a big fan of leg-spinners,” Masekesa said. “Shane Warne obviously but most of the Zimbabwe leg-spinners. Growing up when Graeme Cremer was there. I also look up to Adil Rashid from England, Chahal from India… Zampa from Australia. Even Rishad from Bangladesh.”