Twitter Reactions: Zakir Hasan, Najmul Shanto keep Bangladesh in driver’s seat with 370-run lead on Day 2 of BAN vs AFG solitary Test

Bangladesh vs Ireland 2 (Photo by MUNIR UZ ZAMAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Bangladesh maintain a humongous 370-run lead courtesy of a dominant bowling performance followed by fifties from Zakir Hasan and Najmul Shanto on Day 2, at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, in Mirpur.

After a commanding performance by Najmul Shanto (146 off 175 balls), Mushfiqur Rahim (41*), and Mehidy Hasan (43*), the Bangla Tigers registered 362/5 at the close of Day 1. However, a spirited Afghan bowling attack came all guns blazing on Day 2, as they landed the early blows to draw curtains on Bangladesh’s innings for 382 runs in under 10 overs of play.

Meanwhile, Nijat Masood recorded a five-wicket haul, Yamin Ahmadzai got two to his name whereas, Zahir Khan, Amir Hamza, and Rahmat Shah got one apiece. In reply, the home side extended their domination as they got the early wickets, which left the Afghan side reeling quite early in the second innings.

With four down for a paltry 51 runs, Afsar Zazai and Nasir Jamal combined to raise a 65-run partnership in the middle order to bail their side of the precarious situation. Nasir got 35 runs off 43 balls which featured six boundaries whereas, Afsar scored 36 runs off 40 balls with as many boundaries in his account.

Despite this, the Bangladesh bowling attack left no stone unturned to seize control as Mehidy Hasan and Ebadot Hossain operated in tandem to send the batters packing. Ebadot returned a four-wicket haul for 47 runs in his 10 overs at an economy of 4.70. On the other hand, Mehidy Hasan, Taijul Islam and Shoriful Islam got two wickets each to restrict Afghanistan to a meagre 146 runs.

Bangladesh remained in complete control of the contest in the third innings despite the early dismissal of Mahmudul Hasan Joy for 17 runs. Zakir Hasan and Najmul registered an unbeaten 54 off 64 balls each to get 134 runs at the end of Day 2. With this, Bangladesh maintained a solid lead of 370 runs and are well on course to obtain a victory.

Here’s how fans reacted to the second day of the BAN vs AFG solitary Test:

Bangladesh 134/1 Stumps on Day 2 in Second innings. Bangladesh lead by 370 Runs. What a Performance Najmul Shanto.
146 in First innings.
54* in Second innings.
Superb Knock Zakir Hasan 54*@BCBtigers #BANvAFG

— JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) June 15, 2023

Full Domination By Bangladesh 🇧🇩

Great Batting & Bowling by @BCBtigers 😍

Well Played Najmul Hossain Shanto, Zakir Hossain, @mushfiqur15 @Officialmiraz @EbadotOfficial & @Taijul_12 🎊🎉

I think Match Will End on Day 4️⃣ @ACBofficials isn’t it❓#BANvAFG #BANvsAFG #AFGALATAN pic.twitter.com/kfFt6f2PdP

— Akash 🤫 (@akashskyp2) June 15, 2023

Day 2: Stumps (#BANvAFG )

Bangladesh: 134-1 (Leading by 370 runs)

Zakir Hasan – 54* (64)
Najmul Hossain Shanto – 54* (64)

Amir Hamza – 1/27#BANVSAFG #BANvAFG #Bangladesh #Afghanistan #TestCricket #CricketTwitter

— Harshal Barot (@harshalbarot21) June 15, 2023

17 overs lost today – yesterdays apologists are really going to struggle to explain this one away…. #GETONWITHTHEGAMEFFS #BanvAfg https://t.co/hOi6RK4AoK

— Innocent Bystander (@InnoBystander) June 15, 2023

As like day one, #Bangladesh dominates #Afghanistan in the second day! We are already leading by 370 runs‌ and three more days to go!!! #BANvAFG

— Shehab Khan (@CricWithShehab) June 15, 2023

Zakir Hasan in 2nd innings be like : #BANvAFG #BANvsAFG pic.twitter.com/AmV9ahp9VJ

— TBC_stratus (@StratusTbc) June 15, 2023

After a century in the 1st innings, Najmul Hossain Shanto scored his fourth Test half-century in the second innings. He is the highest run scorer for Bangladesh so far this year.#BANvAFG #najmulhossainshanto #testcricket #testchampionship #icc#bcb pic.twitter.com/3JB2uY3krB

— Md Ifran Ali Bijoy 🇧🇩 (@IfranAliBijoy20) June 15, 2023

#NajmulHossainShanto Scores Yet Another Fifty vs #Afghanistan https://t.co/e2mx7RMEL4#BANvAFG #AFGvBAN