Bangladesh vs. Zimbabwe: Leading Run Scorers and Key Players Ahead of 2nd Test
Taijul Islam was the star for Bangladesh as they edged past Zimbabwe in the first Test in Mirpur, claiming the best bowling figures in his country's history in the three-wicket win.
Left-arm spin was the key for the home side, with former captain Shakib Al Hasan picking up six for 59 in Zimbabwe's first innings, before Taijul ripped through the visitors in the second, finishing with eight for 39.
The young spinner was then at the crease as Bangladesh knocked off the required 101 runs for the loss of seven wickets.
Here are the leading run scorers following the conclusion to the first Test's action in Mirpur:
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| Mahmudullah (BAN) - 91 | |
| Mushfiqur Rahim (BAN) - 87 | |
| Sikandar Raza (ZIM) - 76 | |
| Brendan Taylor (ZIM) - 73 | |
| Mominul Haque (BAN) - 53 |
The advantage is now with Bangladesh in this three-match series, so Zimbabwe will be looking to make amends in Khulna when the second Test starts on Monday Nov. 3. Here are three players who will have a big role to play.
Brendan Taylor (Zimbabwe)
The embattled captain has done a pretty good job of overseeing Zimbabwe's return to Test cricket's top table, scoring four centuries in his first seven matches in charge, per Cricinfo.
But while the 28-year-old has been reasonably consistent with the bat for his country, the same can't be said for his team-mates who, for the most part, had no answer to Bangladesh's spin attack.
As reported by Cricbuzz, Taylor has called on his batsmen to step up to the plate in the coming matches, saying: "All credit to Bangladesh, but we were mentally weak with the bat. We can't win Tests, if we bat like this."
Zimbabwe's road to recovery continues to be a long one, but with Taylor as the face of their Test side, the African nation know they have a match-winner in their ranks—he just needs a little help from his colleagues.
Taijul Islam (Bangladesh)
Taijul became the first Bangladeshi to take eight wickets in an innings and helped his country to only their fifth Test victory (h/t Eurosport).
But now the pressure will be on the young left-armer to continue his promising start in Test cricket, where he averages 22.94 with the ball in three matches, according to Cricinfo.
Bangladesh have long sought a hero, someone who will have the same impact that Muttiah Muralitharan had for Sri Lanka when he hit the scene in the 1990s.
The weight of expectation has been a burden for many Bangladesh players in the past, with only Shakib progressing to become regarded as one of the world's best players.
Now, in Taijul, they may have another star. And two more Tests against Zimbabwe should see his stock rise even further.
Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)
As previously mentioned, Shakib is one of the players who has really put Bangladesh cricket on the map in recent years, with his exploits in the shorter formats of the game.
It is in the 20-over game where the all-rounder has shone, averaging under 20 with the ball, while batting with a strike rate of 130, per Cricinfo, in domestic leagues around the world.
But in the five-day game his inconsistency has prevented him, and Bangladesh, from claiming more success.
An average of 37 with the bat is somewhat respectable for an all-rounder, but his 129 Test wickets have come at an average of 32, per Cricinfo again, which is no indication to his potency with the ball.
A six-wicket haul in his first Test since serving a three-month ban for poor discipline was a good return, and his country will hope for more of the same in Khulna.
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