adminat Harare Sports Club.
At stumps Bangladesh were 95/1, after a strong response, having lost Shahriar Nafees (29 off 39 balls with four fours) who fell victim to Kyle Jarvis in the 13th over after he was caught by Timmy Maruma at point.
Zimbabwe set a total of 389 towards the end of the third session, on a day when they were backed by a big holiday crowd, as the tail enders put up a good act that saw the Bangladesh attack struggle to wrap things up.
Taylor’s new captain’s record surpassed Andy Flower’s 18-year-record of 156 – which he scored against Pakistan at the same venue in 1995.
Having started the day on an unbeaten 105 and survived the early loss of Elton Chigumbura and Richmond Mutumbami in the first 30 minutes of the day, Taylor played like a true skipper.
Graeme Creamer came and provided the support in a century stand as duo made a formidable seventh wicket partnership that yielded 107 and saw Zimbabwe’s run rate increase marginally, especially after lunch.
But Creamer did not stay as long as he would have wanted as he was caught by third slip Mahmudullah, who pulled off a stunner of a catch diving to his right, off a Sohag Gazi delivery just eight runs short of a half century.
He faced 140 deliveries.
Taylor did not last long either as he was out two deliveries latter, with the ball bitting the base of his bat and then looping to find the welcoming hands of wicket-keeper and opposite captain, Mushfiq Rahim, who was only too happy to see their tormentor finally leave.
He faced 324 deliveries , for his 171, and batting coach Grant Flower hailed Taylor’s heroics.
“He is one of the batsmen who is up there at the top and has an amazing application of skills as he changes his game and he really adapted well to the wicket, managed to stay there for long and bought his time there,” said Flower.
“It is good that he is back in form after what we witnessed in the West Indies as he managed to sustain the pressure he faced on the crease.
“I have tried to work with him and a number of other new guys in the nets, I have tried to get to talk with him a lot more because we have a reputation to protect and this is what I have tried to make them be aware of, so I have put more pressure on them.
“But at the end of the day it is up to the player to implement and work on other areas because a coach can only do so much and that is why he simplified the game today and I hope he will learn to play more innings like these.
“He executed his skill well because there is always so much pressure for him as one of the top players.
“Really our target was 400 and we came 11 runs short which was somehow not so bad but I also liked the input by both Creamer and Waller who did a great job.
“But as the game progresses I am sure our bowlers will get better as well.”
Bangladesh replied strongly and the opening pair of Nafees and Jahurul Islam took to the Zimbabwe attack with a good batting display but the hosts were guilty of being sloppy in the field as they fumbled catches.
Creamer put down Jahurul.
Then two overs later Keegan Meth decided not to go for the ball leaving Jahurul to survive another chance but in the 13th over, Nafees departed in what was to be the only breakthrough for the Zimbabweans.
“It was sad to see our guys drop such chances and it becomes difficult to change the game after such moments but I am sure tomorrow (today) we will be up to the challenge,” added Flower.
Online Reporter