Robiul impresses as Zimbabwe hang on

Bangladesh bowler on song on day two of second Test.

A devastating afternoon spell by Robiul Islam handed Bangladesh the advantage as Zimbabwe ended the second day of the second Test at 158 for four, trailing the visitors by 233 runs.

The fast-bowler was clinical throughout the innings with figures of two for 34 in 19 overs. His scalps early in the innings had Zimbabwe reeling at 97 for four at one stage, according to ESPNcricinfo.

However, a gutsy 61-run unbeaten fifth-wicket partnership between Elton Chigumbura and Malcolm Waller helped the hosts recover.

Chigumbura remained not out, scoring a quickfire 45 off just 49 balls including five boundaries. He was ably accompanied by Waller, who scored a patient 30 off 112 balls.

Earlier, an aggressive 77-run knock by Nasir Hossain helped Bangladesh reach an impressive first-innings total of 391.

Bangladesh owed their show to the impressive Hossain for his batting heroics, given that he led a crucial counter-attack after arriving at the crease on Thursday evening with the tourists on 248 for seven and the second new ball just six overs away.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 27^th, 2013.