Zimbabwe in steady start after Mahmudullah 150

Zimbabwe started steady after Mahmudullah led Bangladesh to a mammoth first innings score at Harare Sports Club.

Brendan Taylor and debutant Takudzwanashe Kaitano’s second wicket stand, built of the opening one of 61 to leave Zimbabwe on 114 for the loss of one wicket at the end play on day two. Taylor was on 37 while opener Kaitano was sitting on 33, their partnership worth 53 runs.

Kaitano had opened the batting with Milton Shumba who looked comfortable until heplayed across the line, only to be trapped leg before by Shakib Al Hassan, for 41. On a pitch that offered no assistance to spin, he will gave been disappointed.

Kaitano was circumspect, watchful, even though he was fortuitous at times, with pace bowling beating his edge a couple of times. Taylor on the end was more aggressive, his 37 coming off just 46 balls.

At the end of the day, Zimbabwe were still, 354 runs behind Bangladesh’s first innings score, still needing another 154 to avoid the follow-on.

And that huge score was thanks to Mahmudullah, who became the first Bangladeshi to score a century in a test against Zimbabwe in the country. His 150 was largely due to a 191 partnership with Taskin Ahmed who made 75 before he was bowled by Shumba.

Bangladesh, overnight at 294 for the loss of eight wickets punished some ordinary bowling and fielding from Zimbabwe, in innings that offered 16 no-balls, seven each for Ricchard Ngarava and Donald Tiripano.

Eventually Bangladesh bowled out for 368 from 126 overs.

Blessing Muzarabani got four for 94, Tiripano two for 58 and Victor Nyauchi two for 92.

The match continues on Wednesday, at 9.30am, for day three action.

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