Mominul Urges Bangladesh to 'Control Crunch Moments' as Sylhet Test Hangs in Balance

With the Sylhet Test delicately poised heading into the fourth day, Bangladesh batter Mominul Haque has urged his side to take charge of the key moments as they seek to build on their 112-run lead over Zimbabwe. Despite rain and bad light limiting play to just 44 overs on day three, the hosts ended on 137 for 4 in their second innings, with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto unbeaten on 60 and Jaker Ali not out on 21.

Mominul, who followed up his first-innings fifty with a well-crafted 47, expressed confidence in Bangladesh’s ability to set Zimbabwe a daunting target, eyeing a lead in the region of 300.

“We will be happy with a 300-run lead; if not, 270 or 280,” Mominul said. “We have some capable tailenders like Hasan Mahmud and Taijul Islam, and of course proper batters like Shanto, Jaker Ali, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. The key is to control the crunch moments — that's what gives me confidence.”

Zimbabwe Stay Hopeful

Despite Bangladesh edging ahead, Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani believes the visitors are still very much in the contest. Muzarabani, who has claimed three of the four Bangladesh wickets in the second innings, hopes to restrict the lead to under 200 on day four.

“Ideally, we want to keep the lead under 200 runs,” Muzarabani said. “But we’re not focusing on the runs alone — the goal is to take wickets. Bangladesh fought hard today, but Test cricket is about patience. We still believe we’re in the game.”

The tall seamer has been the standout performer for Zimbabwe, using his height and hard lengths effectively to extract extra bounce. In the first innings, he removed Shanto and Mehidy with well-directed short deliveries, and continued the trend on day three by dismissing Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Mominul.

“That’s my strength — to bowl the hard length on the body,” Muzarabani explained. “I don’t think they struggled with the short ball. It’s just my No. 1 skill.”

Mominul on Batting Responsibility

While Bangladesh hold the edge, Mominul emphasized the importance of converting starts into big scores, especially from senior players.

“Neither Joy nor I got out to short balls — it was extra bounce,” Mominul clarified. “Muzarabani is 6'8", so he naturally gets bounce. But we have to manage it better. I think those of us who got out after getting set — we are more responsible for not capitalizing. Personally, it's not acceptable to bat for just one session. If I had batted for two more, the team would be in a stronger position.”

With two full days remaining and a result still very much in play, both teams will be eyeing a decisive shift in momentum when play resumes.

Day 3 Summary:

Bangladesh lead Zimbabwe by 112 runs with 6 wickets in hand
Najmul Hossain Shanto (60*) and Jaker Ali (21*) to resume
Blessing Muzarabani has taken 3 for 44 in Bangladesh’s second innings

As the Sylhet Test builds toward a tense finale, all eyes will be on how Bangladesh capitalizes on their advantage — and whether Zimbabwe’s bowlers can produce one final fightback.

Mominul Urges Bangladesh to 'Control Crunch Moments' as Sylhet Test Hangs in Balance

Zimbabwe Stay Hopeful

Mominul on Batting Responsibility

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