Bangladesh take three wickets against run-shy Zimbabwe

HARARE: Zimbabwe scored only 35 runs off 29 overs and lost three wickets during the second session on day three of a one-off Test against Bangladesh at Harare Sports Club on Friday.

Having reached a promising 209-2 by lunch, the home batsman then came off second best to the visitors’ bowlers and Zimbabwe crept to 244-5 by tea.

The home side trail by 224 runs against Bangladesh, who posted 468 in their first innings with Mahmudullah Riyad (150 not out) and Liton Das (95) posting Test career bests.

Entering the third and final session of the day, Zimbabwe needed 25 more runs to prevent Bangladesh captain Mominul Haque having the option of enforcing a follow-on.

Zimbabwe opener Takudzwanashe Kaitano was at the crease having crafted a patient 82 off 282 balls, including nine fours, in warm mid-winter conditions.

Kaitano was partnered by Regis Chakabva, who exercised extreme caution as he contributed 10 runs off 32 deliveries.

Shakib al Hasan inflicted most second-session damage for Bangladesh, taking the wickets of debutant Dion Myers (27) and Timycen Marumo (0).

A Myers sweep was caught by Mehidy Hasan Miraz at fine leg and

Marumo was trapped leg before having failed to score off 17 balls.

Taskin Ahmed claimed the other second-session wicket, ending a run-less five-ball stay at the crease by Roy Kaia.

BRIEF SCORES:

Bangladesh 468 in 107 overs (Mahmudullah 150 not out, Das 95, Mominul 70; Blessing Muzarabani 4-94) vs Zimbabwe 244-5 in 96 overs (Kaitano 82 not out, Brendan Taylor 81, Milton Shumba 41; Shakib 3-74)