Shakib rips through Zimbabwe

Shakib Al Hasan starred on his return from suspension as Bangladesh made Zimbabwe regret their decision to bat on the opening day of the first Test in Mirpur.

The 27-year-old, playing his first game following a ban imposed by the Bangladesh Cricket Board, returned fine figures of 6-59 from 24.5 overs to help dismiss Zimbabwe for 240.

Opening batsman Sikandar Raza top-scored with 51 – his second fifty in as many matches – for the visitors, who failed to negotiate spin as nine wickets fell to tweakers.

Shakib Al Hasan celebrates the dismissal of John Myumbu, one of six victims for the Bangladesh spinner

The only blip on an impressive day for Bangladesh was the loss of Tamim Iqbal before the close, which arrived with the Tigers 213 runs behind on 27 for one.

Zimbabwe were always up against it when Shahadat Hossain located the edge of Vusi Sibanda with the fifth ball of the match and then Hamilton Masakadza became Shakib’s first victim.

However, Brendan Taylor – who chose to make first use – fought back alongside Raza in a 52-run stand.

But, in the first over after lunch, Taylor provided debutant leg-spinner Jubair Hossain with his first Test scalp, failing to clear mid-off to depart for 28, before Raza hit the 18-year-old straight to cover.

And when Shakib had Elton Chigumbura taken at silly point, Zimbabwe were struggling on 142 for five.

Craig Ervine, playing his first international match since 2013, steadied the ship alongside Regis Chakabva in a 50-run partnership.

The return of Taijul Islam brought an end to the resistance, though, Ervine finding short-leg in his first over after tea, and then Shakib cleaned up the tail to complete his 12th Test five-wicket haul.

Bangladesh had a tricky 12-over spell to negotiate before the close, but failed to do so as Tamim gloved Tinashe Panyangara, returning to the Zimbabwe side, to the slips in the fifth.

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