Friend inspires Zimbabwe
victory charge

Zimbabwe, inspired by an all-round performance by Travis Friend, moved closer to an innings victory in the first Test against Bangladesh on Saturday as their bowlers broke through near the end of the third day.

Bangladesh closed on 125 for three, still 199 short of making the touring side bat again.

The main resistance came from Habibul Bashar, who made 65.

But the home team's defiance after losing their first wicket cheaply was spoilt in the final four overs, with 20-year-old pace bowler Friend accounting for the key wicket of Bashar.

He and Javed Omar Belim had put on a century stand and taken the score to 108 for one before Belim, on 32, was caught by Henry Olonga at mid-off while facing spinner Douglas Marillier.

Bashar, who hit 10 boundaries, then fell caught at mid-off by Zimbabwean skipper Brian Murphy off Friend.

Earlier Friend, batting at nine and only in his fourth test, had made 81 to steer Zimbabwe to a 324-run first-innings lead, the touring side bowled out for 431 just after lunch.

Friend, who claimed five for 31 in the first innings as Bangladesh were bowled out for 107 in the first innings, ended Saturday's play with a further two for 26 in the second.

Zimbabwe had resumed Saturday on 348 for seven, with number eight Heath Streak making 65 in a 108-stand with Friend.

Streak, 57 overnight, was caught behind by Khaled Masud off Test debutant Mashrafee bin Mortuza after hitting eight fours. Friend hit nine before being bowled by left-arm spinner Enamul Hoque.

Zimbabwe coach Geoff Marsh said: "We are now looking for an innings victory.

"We need a win, whoever the opponents, to bounce back to winning after a disastrous performance over the last six months." Zimbabwe have lost their last 16 successive one-day internationals.

Mail Cricket Editor