Harare Test finely balanced ahead of final day

The hosts declared on 291-5 in their second innings, leaving Bangladesh needing a challenging 375 runs to secure victory.

By the close of play, the visitors were 112-3 – needing another 263 runs for an unlikely success.

Zimbabwe started the fourth day 92-4 – and made good progress before declaring at tea.

Captain Brendan Taylor led by example with an unbeaten 105, Tatenda Taibu weighed in with 59 and Craig Ervine scored 35, sharing in an unbroken stand of 86 for the sixth wicket with Taylor in less than 18 overs.

The only wicket to fall happened when Taibu departed in the 75th over for 59, with the score on 202, when he hit a Shafiul Islam delivery straight to Robiul Islam at extra cover.

Zimbabwe declared at tea, giving Bangladesh four sessions to reach their target – and the visitors started in fine style with the stylish opening pair Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes putting on 65 for the first wicket inside just 14 overs

However, the breakthrough came when Tamim shouldered arms and saw his off stump uprooted by a Chris Mpofu delivery.

Kayes followed in the 22nd over, with the score on 87, when he fended at a Kyle Jarvis delivery and was snapped up behind by wicketkeeper Taibu for 31.

And Bangladesh’s hopes took a further knock with the last ball of the 26th over when Shahriar Nafees was on his way for nine, his middle stump removed by Jarvis.

Captain Mohammad Ashraful and Mushfiqur Rahim averted further problems in the final four overs, leaving plenty to play for on the final day.

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