Twitter Reactions: Mahmudullah and late strikes put Bangladesh on the brink victory

Zimbabwe were bowled out for 304 runs on the end of the third day’s play against Bangladesh at Sher-E-Bangla Stadium in Dhaka. Moreover, they also conceded a monstrous lead of 218 runs. At the close of play on the fourth day of the second and final Test, the visiting team is in with a daunting task of saving the match and winning the series as they need 367 runs with eight wickets remaining.

Mahmudullah sets the tone

Bangladesh didn’t enforce the follow-on and decided to set a target for their opponents to track down. However, the Tigers got off to a horrendous start as four of their top five batsmen could only manage 17 runs. While Kyle Jarvis got rid of Liton Das and Imrul Kayes, another pacer Donald Tiripano accounted for the wickets of Mominul Haque and wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim.

At that point in time, the hosts were reduced to 25/4 in 12.1 overs and only had a lead of 243 runs. Thereafter, Mohammad Mithun and skipper Mahmudullah scripted a comeback with a partnership of 118 runs. Off-spinner Sikandar Raza nipped out Mithun for 67 runs to break the stand. Nevertheless, Mahmudullah carried on and accomplished his second Test century.

Tigers strike late in the day

Mehidy Hasan Miraz also scored a useful 27 in a stand of 81 runs with the captain. Immediately after Mahmudullah reached his ton, Bangladesh declared at 224 for the loss of six wickets in 54 overs, which also meant that Zimbabwe were set a target of 443. The visitors made a spirited start to the run-chase as openers Hamilton Masakadza and Brian Chari put on 68 for the first wicket.

Just when it seemed that Zimbabwe would end the day without losing any wicket, the Bangladeshi spinners came to the party and churned out both the opening batsmen. Mehidy Hasan drew first blood with Masakadza’s wicket. A couple of overs later, Chari fell prey to left-arm spinner Taijul Islam for 43 runs. Brendan Taylor and Sean Williams safely played out the last four overs.

Here is how Twitter reacted

Zimbabwe battling in Dhaka and a Zimbabwean battling in Kandy #banvzim #SLvENG

— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) November 14, 2018

#Best ever celebration
Bangladesh Vs Zimbabwe 2nd test match#Mahmudullah♥#Miraz♥ pic.twitter.com/vURdGgT7u6

— Md. Sadekur Rahman (@MdSadek06955508) November 14, 2018

Mahmudullah Riyad has pulled up his socks. A much needed hundred to get out of a horrible lean patch. #BanvZim pic.twitter.com/nELZnSzhqH

— Faisal Caesar (@faisalyorker2) November 14, 2018

#BANvZIM A captains knock by Mahmudullah,but is the time sufficient to get through this determined Zimbabwe side which looked way better than other series of theirs in recent times OR Bangladesh with their experince will bounce back again…Very much excited test coming ahead✌️

— Yash N Shah (@yashnshah99) November 14, 2018

Mehidy Hasan Miraz celebrating Mahmudullah's 100 by doing " Sajdah "👏👏

Passion Level : Miraz
Team's Unity Level : BANGLADESH #BANvZIM pic.twitter.com/QgrdMkQN30

— Md Mehedi Hasan (@mehediAFRIDIAN) November 14, 2018

Mahmudullah's scores in his last 10 innings:

28*, 17, 6, 0,15, 0, 4, 0, 16, 36

This century was much needed. Both for himself and Bangladesh. Also his first Test century since 2010. #BANvZIM#BANvsZIM

— Prasenjit Dey (@CricPrasen) November 14, 2018

That's 2nd test century of Mahmudullah..!
His last 100 was in 2010 against NZ in NZ

He celebrates it with a " Sajdah"
interestingly Mehidy Miraz was doing " Sajdah " too#BANvZIM

— Md Mehedi Hasan (@mehediAFRIDIAN) November 14, 2018

Stand and deliver! A long awaiting test hundred for @BCBtigers captain #Mahmudullah. Much relieved batting display after his cumulative failure at first test. Combination of quality and sensible batting.#BanVsZim #BanvZim #Bangladesh

— Hasib Khan Chowdhury (@Pritom_MUFC) November 14, 2018

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