Ruthless Tigers on top, reducing Zimbabwe 25-1 at Tea on day 4
PBC News: Bangladesh took an iron grip on the one-off Test as they reduced Zimbabwe to 25-1 at tea on day four after setting them an improbable target of 477 runs at Harare Sports Club today.
The highest successful chase in the fourth innings remains 418 by West Indies against Australia. Zimbabwe’s own highest fourth innings total was 331, which they scored against New Zealand in 2011 in a losing-cause.
At the second interval of the day, stand in captain Brendan Taylor was batting on 10 with opener Takudzwanashe who is yet to open the account despite facing 26 deliveries.
Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed gave the Tigers a good start, removing another opener Milton Shumba for 11.
Earlier Bangladesh opener Shadman Islam struck his maiden century while Nazmul Hossain Shanto brought up his second century to leave Zimbabwe a record chase to win.
Shadman was not out on 115 off 196, hitting nine fours while Shanto remained unbeaten on 118 ball-117, which studded with five fours and six sixes as Bangladesh declared their second innings on 284-1.
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Only two teams have got a bigger second-innings lead in Tests than Bangladesh’s 476, while losing one or no wicket in their second innings.
Opener Saif Hassan was the only fallen wicket after hitting 43 runs. He and Shadman shared 88-run for the opening stand after which Shadman and Shanto added an 196-run for an undefeated second wicket stand.
Resuming the day on 45 for no loss, Bangladesh batted fluently to keep Zimbabwe bowlers at bay with Shadman particularly treating the hosts with disdain.
Saif Hassan who was out on naught in the first innings also played his part well and looked set to reach his first half-century in Test cricket.
But he perished to a cut shot off pace bowler Richard Ngarava to be out on career-best 43 and his dismissal put an end to the 88-run partnership between him and Shadman.
But the arrival of Nazmul Hossain Shanto paced the scoreboard as Bangladesh showed their intent to bury Zimbabwe under huge score.
Shadman however glanced one towards fine leg for a single to reach his half-century off 101 balls.
