Craig Wishart rallies Zimbabwe

Craig Wishart led Zimbabwe's fightback with a career-best 94 as his team gained a 241-run lead over Bangladesh on the second day of the first Test, at the Bangabandhu National stadium, in Dhaka, on Friday.

Zimbabwe, struggling at 89 for 5, reached 348 for 7 by stumps in their first innings in reply to Bangladesh's 107.

Wishart revived his team's fortunes with a 137-run stand for the sixth wicket with Douglas Marillier, who contributed a solid 73.

Former captain Heath Streak slammed an unbeaten 57 and Travis Friend 38 not out to put Zimbabwe in a commanding position. They were involved in an unbroken stand of 89 for the eighth wicket.

Wishart, however, was Zimbabwe's star, striking 11 fours and two sixes off 156 balls. He was unlucky to miss his maiden Test century when he was run out by Khaled Mashud.

Wishart's previous Test best was 93 against the West Indies at Harare earlier this year. He was also run out on that occasion.

Marillier, playing only his second Test, hit 10 boundaies off 180 balls and was content with playing a supporting role to Wishart.

Streak and Friend then consolidated Zimbabwe's position responsible batting.

Streak has so far struck six boundaries in his unbeaten half-century and Friend five.

Despite the fine finish, the Zimbabweans were unimpresive in the morning session as three wickets fell after the visitors had resumed at 20 for 2.

Stuart Carlisle (33) and Andy Flower (28) started strongly, but failed to post big scores after the early dismissal of overnight batsman Grant Flower.

Carlisle struck four fours in his 63-ball knock, while Andy Flower scored a brisk 28 off 37 balls before being bowled by Haque.

Mail Cricket Editor