Shakib, Taskin shine as Zimbabwe reach 244-5 at tea on day 3

After a disappointing morning session, Bangladesh finally took the stranglehold of the one-off Test against Zimbabwe, reducing them to 244-5 at tea on day three at the Harare Sports Club.

Shakib Al Hasan was key in giving the side a control, ending the session 3-74 while Taskin Ahmed who was luckless despite bowling brilliantly finally took 1-46, reports BSS. 

But debutant opener TakudzwanasheKaitano held the Zimbabwe’s hope to tilt the match towards them by batting on 82 at the second interval of the day. Alongside him, Regis Chakabva was in the crease on 10.

Zimbabwe are trailing by 224 runs at this moment as Bangladesh were dismissed for 468 in their first innings after MahmudullahRiyad hit career-best 150 not out.

With Bangladesh searching a wicket early in the morning session, Taylor and Kaitano frustrated the visitor with different approach of batting.

While Taylor batted fluently and dominated the bowlers, Kaitano remained cautious to go after the bowlers. Their strategy of caution and aggression served them well in the morning session as they resumed the day on 114-1.

Bangladesh bowlers however also couldn’t sustain a pressure for a longer period, which was imperative in a wicket that offered little for the bowlers.

However, Bangladesh were lucky to have the wicket of Taylor who after playing excellently, threw away his wicket with a wretched shot.

Taylor’s dismissal off Mehidy Hasan Miraz (1-67) bowling brought an end to the 115-run partnership between him and Kaitano.

As there was a glimmer of hope to take the control, Kaitano’s solid approach, coupled with fellow debutant Myers aggressive batting further kept Bangladesh at bay.

With Zimbabwe looking to take the full control, Bangladesh clawed back into the game in the afternoon session, claiming three wickets for four runs.

Shakib Al Hasan however broke through with the wicket of Myers who perished to a sweep shot for 27. He then removed TimycenMarum for 0, also vie leg-before wicket.

Taskin Ahmed who proved to be the most dangerous bowler for Zimbabwe was largely luckless. But he got the reward of his tireless job when Roy Kaia edged one behind wicket-keeper to be out for naught.

Chakabva and Kaitano, who closed in on to a debut century saw out the session without any fuss.