Three half centuries by Mushfiqur, Mahmudullah and Mominul guided Bangladesh to overall nine runs lead against Zimbabwe after the second day in their first match of the three-match Bashundhara Cement Test series at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Sunday. Replying to Zimbabwe’s 240 runs in the first innings, Bangladesh resumed their first innings with overnight 27 for 1 in 12 overs and scored 254 for all in 98 overs to take 14 runs lead on the second day. In reply, the visiting side opened their second innings and scored 5 runs for no loss in 2 overs as bails were drawn for the day, reducing the deficit to 9 runs. Earlier, skipper Mushfiqur Rahim scored team highest 64 runs off 126 balls with nine fours and a six before caught by Craig Ervine off Tinashe Panyangara. Mahmudullah was trapped lbw by Sikandar Raza after scoring 63 runs off 160 balls with seven fours and two sixes. Mushfiqur Rahim partnering with Mahmudullah contributed 64 runs in 23.4 overs in the fifth wicket stand. One down Mominul Haque was run out after scoring patient 53 runs off 112 balls with five fours. Mominul Haque and Mahmudullah pair added 63 runs in 25.4 overs in the third wicket stand. All rounder Shakib Al Hasan (5), who took six wickets for the home side in the first innings, was also a victim of run out. Taijul Islam (19) and Shuvagata Hom (14) were the other double digit scorers for Bangladesh. Tinashe Panyangara grabbed five wickets for 59 runs in 23 overs while Sikandar Raza and Tafadzwa Kamungozi took one wicket each for 12 and 51 runs respectively. Zimbabwe opening partners Vusi Sibanda and Regis Chakabva were batting on 5 and 0 runs respectively. Brief score: Zimbabwe first innings – 240 for all in 75. 5 overs; Sikandar Raza (51), Craig Ervine (34), Shakib Al Hasan 6/59 Zimbabwe second innings – 5 for no lose in 2 overs; Sibanda batting 5, Chakabva batting 0 Bangladesh first innings – 254 for all in 75.5 overs; Mushfiqur Rahim 64, Mahmudullah 63, Mominul Haque 53, Tinashe Panyangara 5/59 — UNB, Dhaka
