Bangladesh were immediately on course for their first-ever 3-0 series sweep thanks to centuries from openers Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes on the opening day of the third Test against Zimbabwe.
The pair broke their own Bangladesh opening-partnership record as they piled on 224 to leave Zimbabwe already chasing the game in Chittagong.
The Tigers reached the close on 303 for two with the opening pair finally falling in the evening session.
Tamim’s sixth Test century drew him level with Mohammad Ashraful as the most by a Bangladesh player, and he reached 109 before Hamilton Masakadza held a sharp chance off Sikanda Raza three overs after tea.
Masakadza then drew the returning Kayes into a rare false stroke, slicing to Vusi Sibanda at gully, after he had reached 130.
His exit came just before the new ball was due, although Zimbabwe were unable to make any further inroads with it as Mominul Haque walked off within touching distance of a half-century while Mahmudullah was unbeaten on five.
Bangladesh have already wrapped up their first series win since 2009, when they beat an under-strength West Indies in the Caribbean, but they are yet to sweep a three-match series in their 15-year Test history.