Online Reporter
Rain had a major say on the third day’s play of the Sylhet Test between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh as the hosts moved to 194 for 4 before play was called off due to bad light.
The truncated day was supposed to end an hour later than usual time after rain washed out the first three hours of play.
The home side could bat for only 44 overs on the day.
However, the Chevrons took three wickets for only 137 runs in what could be perceived as a charge to victory with only two more full days left in the match.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto reached a half-century, as he is putting up a rear-guard partnership with Jaker Ali for the fifth wicket.
Prior to that, it was Blessing Muzarabani who rocked Bangladesh within the first hour after play started on the third afternoon.
He bowled within himself with a slower run-up but often brought up his pace with the short deliveries.
The Zimbabwean quick tested Mahmudul Hasan Joy with the short ball a few times, before the Bangladesh opener fended one to first slip.
Mahmudul made 33 off 65 balls with six boundaries, stretching his lean run of form.
Shanto got the ball rolling with some confident shots before he edged one off Wessly Madhevere when on 26.
For the second time in the game, though, wicketkeeper Nyasha Mayavo dropped a sitter.
The third-wicket stand between Shanto and Mominul Haque kept Bangladesh stable, but once again, it was the short ball that rocked Bangladesh.
Victor Nyauchi got one to rear up Mominul, who had little room to move out of the way once he had committed to it.
Thankfully for Zimbabwe, Mayavo held on to the chance, and they celebrated the third wicket.
At stumps, Bangladesh were 194 runs for four, leading by a mere 112 runs.
The duo of Shanto (60) and Ali (21) resumed play on Wednesday morning, hoping to stretch Bangladesh’s lead and give their bowlers something to defend. – Cricinfo/Zimpapers Sports Hub
