Zimbabwe take handsome lead

Bangladesh trailed Zimbabwe by 109 runs on the third day of the first Test on Saturday when bad light forced the close of play nine overs early.

The tourists were 91 for two in their second innings after scoring 257 in their first innings, to which Zimbabwe had replied with 457 to take a lead of 200 runs.

At stumps Javed Omar was on 47 not out with Aminul Islam undefeated on 10.

Earlier, Zimbabwe had resumed at 287 for five before being dismissed 25 minutes before the scheduled tea interval.

Left-arm paceman Manjural Islam took six for 81 to improve the best Test figures by a Bangladeshi.

For Zimbabwe, Heath Streak scored 67 and Grant Flower 68 in a stablising sixth-wicket stand of 120 before Mluleki Nkala and Brian Murphy put on 56 for the ninth wicket.

Bangladesh's day began badly when wicketkeeper Khaled Mashud fractured his ankle during the warm-up. Mehrab Hossain took over the gloves.

Scores:
Bangladesh 257 and 91-2.
Zimbabwe 457 (Guy Whittall 119, Andy Flower 73, Grant Flower 68, Heath Streak 67, Manjural Islam 6-81).

Mail Cricket Editor