Bangladesh take slender lead
Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Mahmudullah and Mominul Haque scored half-centuries as Bangladesh gained a slender 14-run lead over Zimbabwe in the first Test in Dhaka on Sunday. The hosts, replying to Zimbabwe’s first innings total of 240, were dismissed for 254 just before stumps on the second day at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium.
Zimbabwe were five for no loss in their second knock at close of play, needing a competitive total to challenge Bangladesh on a wearing wicket. Skipper Mushfiqur top-scored for Bangladesh with 64, Mahmudullah made 63 and Mominul chipped in with 53 in overcast conditions that forced the floodlights to be turned on. Bangladesh were restricted by three run outs and a maiden five-wicket haul from seamer Tinashe Panyangara, who finished with 5-59.
Resuming at the overnight score of 27-1, Bangladesh lost Shamsur Rahman in the third over when he spooned a catch to Elton Chigumbura at mid-off off Panyangara. Mominul, who shared a third-wicket stand of 63 with Mahmudullah, was run out before the lunch break by a direct throw from Sikandar Raza in the cover region. Shakib Al Hasan too was run out soon after lunch for five, while Mahmudullah was adjudged leg-before off part-time spinner Raza when the appeal was referred to the third umpire. Brief Scores: Zim 240 all out (S Raza 51, C Ervine 34; Shakib Al Hasan 6/59, J Hossain 2/58) & 5 for no loss in 2 ovs vs Bangladesh 254 all out (Mushfiqur Rahim 64, Mahmudullah 63, Mominul Haque 53; Tinashe Panyangara 5/59)