Tigers have six sessions over the next two days with 10 wickets in hands to chase a 295-run target in the second innings to win against visiting Zimbabwe in the first Test of a two-match series at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
Having 143 in the first innings, Bangladesh opened the second innings in the third session on the third day and scored 26/0 * in 10.1 overs, at stumps, before the bad light interrupted the day's play at the country's latest Test venue on Monday, reports UNB.
Liton Kumar Das [14* off 38b; 2x4] and Imrul Kayes [12* off 23b; 2x4] held their nerves in the opening stand-up when the bails were drawn for the day.
Earlier, Zimbabwe extended their lead to 320 runs from the overnight lead of 140 runs, scoring 181 for all in 65.4 overs in the second innings.
Having 282 in the first innings, Zimbabwe resumed the second innings with the overnight score of 1/0 in 2 overs and collected 91/2 in 32.0 overs at lunch; reached 165/6 in 62 overs at tea break before the end.
Zimbabwe's composures ended with Tendai Chatara's dismissal on a single digit by Taijul Islam, the bowling hero of Bangladesh in the match as he grabbed 11 wickets for 48 runs in the match.
Zimbabwe's skipper-cum-opener Hamilton Masakadza top-scored 48 off 104 balls, including seven boundaries, before being trapped lbw by Mehidy Hasan Miraz on 101/3 36.1 overs in the second innings.
Two other batsmen -- Sikandar Raza [25 off 30b; 3x4; 1x6] and Brendan Taylor [24 off 25b; 4X4] -- could cross the 20-run mark before Bangladesh's bowling attacks.
Sean Williams and Regis Chakabva scored 20 each while debut Wellington Masakadza added 17 runs.
Bangladesh spinner Taijul Islam thrived on both innings as he grabbed 5/62 in the second innings and 6/108 in the first innings.
On the day's five-for, Taijul sent off Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams, Peter Moor, Sikandar Raza before he drew the last blood Tendai Chatara by lbw on Zimbabwe's final collection.
Miraz got his track after wicket-less mission in the first innings, capturing three wickets for 48 runs in the innings.
Debut spinner Nazmul Islam maintained his consistency as he grabbed identical two wickets in each innings -- 2/27 in the second innings and 2/49 in the first innings for Bangladesh.
Brief Score:
Zimbabwe 1st innings: 282/10 in 117.3 overs; Sean Williams 88, Peter Moor 63*, Hamilton Masakadza 52, Taijul Islam 6/108, Nazmul Islam2/49, Mahmudullah Riyad 1/3, Abu Jayed 1/68.
Zimbabwe 2nd innings: 181/10 in 65.4 overs (overnight 1/0 in 2 overs); Hamilton Masakadza 48, Sikandar Raza 25, Brendan Taylor 24, Sean Williams 20, Regis Chakabva 20, Taijul Islam 5/62, Mehidy Hasan Miraz 3/48, Nazmul Islam 2/27.
Bangladesh 1st innings: 143/10 in 51 overs; Ariful Haque 41*, Mushfiqur Rahim 31, Mehidy Hasan Miraz 21, Mominul Haque 11, TendaiChatara 3/19, Sikandar Raza 3/35, Kyle Jarvis 2/28, Sean Williams 1/5.
Bangladesh 2nd innings: 26/0* in 10.1 overs, at stumps, Liton Kumar Das 14*, Imrul Kayes 12*.
