HARARE: An 84-run partnership between Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim tightened Bangladesh’s grip on the second Test against Zimbabwe, but it was fast bowler Robiul Islam who deserved the plaudits on day three at Harare Sports Club.
Robiul became the first seamer to take five wickets in consecutive innings for Bangladesh as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 282 - a first-innings deficit of 109 - but the tourists required a calm stand from Shakib and Mushfiqur to rescue their second innings after a calamitous start.
Although Shakib was out to part-timer Hamilton Masakadza for 59 shortly before the close, Mushfiqur’s unbeaten 50 took Bangladesh to stumps on 163 for five, giving them an overall lead of 272.
Zimbabwe were aided by some controversial umpiring as they bounced back from their disappointing first innings to reduce Bangladesh to 18 for three, with Tamim Iqbal dubiously given out caught behind and Mohammad Ashraful adjudged lbw.
However with the Decision Review System not in place due to the prohibitive costs, the decisions from umpires Tony Hill and Ian Gould were final. Mominul Haque helped rebuild the innings with a steady 29. AFP
