Bangladesh will push for a series win tomorrow on the final day of the second Test against Zimbabwe in Khulna.
The Tigers hold a 266-run advantage after a day in which they quickly mopped up Zimbabwe’s lower-order before progressing to 201 for five at stumps.
Malcolm Waller caused some alarm, claiming 4-48 and was at one stage on a hat-trick, but half-centuries from Mominul Haque and the unbeaten Mahmudullah ensured Bangladesh are well placed to wrap up the three-match series tomorrow.
They made quick progress in the morning, thanks primarily to Shakib Al Hasan, who bowled Hamilton Masakadza after he had added just four more for a career-best 158.
Zimbabwe’s tail quickly followed, their last five wickets adding only 32, despite wicketkeeper Regis Chakbva reaching his maiden Test century before he was last man out.
With a first-innings lead of 65, Bangladesh openers Tamim Iqbal and Shamsur Rahman both got starts before Mominul and Mahmudullah reinforced their lead.
Mominul’s exit to a catch behind off Waller began a mini-collapse of three for 14, with the Zimbabwe off-spinner then removing Shakib and Mushfiqur Rahim from successive balls, but Mahmudullah remained to reach his second half-century of the match.
With Shuvagata Hom providing assured assistance they had shared an unbroken 56-run stand to set Bangladesh in place to force the issue tomorrow morning.