Explosive opening batsman, Hamilton Masakadza, led Zimbabwe’s fightback against Bangladesh, after the visitors ended the third day’s play at 331-5, trailing the hosts by 102 runs in the first innings.

Resuming from the overnight score of 53-1, Zimbabwe lost Brian Chari (25) off Taijul Islam. Thereafter, Masakadza carried on with captain Brendan Taylor, before the latter fell prey to Shakib Al Hasan for 37.

Within a few minutes, Shakib produced quick wickets by trapping Craig Ervine (17) and Elton Chigumbura (1) off quick successions to put the hosts in driver’s seat.

However, wicket-keeper batsman Regis Chakabva turned the tables around with Masakadza as the duo joined 142 runs for the 6^th wicket.

Masakadza (154*) and Chakabva (75*) remained unbeaten before the stumps.

For Bangladesh, left-arm spinners – Shakib Al Hasan (3/70) and Taijul Islam (2/94) – were the pick of the bowlers, who bought glee to the Bangladesh contingent, before the visitors made a strong return.

(Image: cricketcountry.com)