On Tuesday’s third day of the first Test against Zimbabwe here at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto made a stubborn half-century on the rain-hit third day.
Following three hours of the day washed away due to rain, the home side resumed their second innings from an overnight score of 57/1, trailed by a further 25 runs, through Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Mominul Haque.
Bangladesh began poorly as Blessing Muzarabani removed Mahmudul Hasan Joy during the 20th over. Six boundaries aid the opening hitter 33 off 65 deliveries. Skipper Shanto then joined Haque in the middle, and together they created a strong alliance that drove Bangladesh into the lead.
The 65-run partnership came to an end in the 35th over when Victor Nyauchi dismissed Haque, who walked back after scoring 47 off 84 deliveries with six boundaries.
After just four off twenty deliveries, Mushfiqur Rahim became prey to Muzarabani in the 42nd over, therefore compromising the hosts’ batting performance once more.
Before stumps were called, wicketkeeper batsman Jaker Ali joined Najmul Hossain Shanto and together they hit an unbroken 39 runs for the fifth wicket. At the end of the third day, Bangladesh was 196/4, ahead by 112 runs with skipper Shanto and Ali, undefeated on 60 and 21 respectively.
Muzarabani has been Zimbabwe’s top bowler with three wickets for 51 runs in his fifteen overs; Nyauchi claimed one.
