Bangladesh rally after early setbacks

Half-centuries by Mehrab Hossain and Habibul Bashar saved Bangladesh on Thursday as they struggled to 198 for six at close on the first day of the second Test against Zimbabwe.

Bangladesh, who had lost the toss and been asked to bat, finished the day with Akram Khan on 15 and Mushfiqur Rahman on nought at the crease.

Bangladesh slipped to 48 for three at lunch before Hossain and Bashar embarked on their fourth-wicket partnership of 114, the first century stand mounted by the tourists in their three test matches.

The partnership was ended an hour after tea when Bashar was stumped by wicketkeeper Andy Flower off left-arm spinner Ray Price for 64. He was at the crease for three hours, faced 132 balls and hit eight fours and a six.

Four overs later, Price had Hossain caught at short mid-wicket for 71, a product of almost five-and-a-half hours at the crease in which he faced 224 balls and hit two fours.

Hossain was dropped twice off fast bowler Brighton Watambwa, on 12 by Heath Streak at extra cover, and on 56 when Watambwa spilled an awkward return catch.

Eight balls before the close, Naimur Rahman attempted to heave Price over midwicket and was trapped in front for 16.

Price ended the day with figures of four for 47.

Mail Cricket Editor