A brilliant century by Hamilton Masakadza guided Zimbabwe to 331 for 5 in 112 overs in the first innings at stumps on the 3rd day of the 2nd Test of the three-match Bashundhara Cement Series at Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium in Khulna on Wednesday.
Replying to Bangladesh first innings total 433 runs, touring Zimbabwe resumed their first innings with overnight 53 for 1 in 19 overs and trailed by 102 runs after the third day (Wednesday) displaying gritty batting especially by long serving H Masakadza.H Masakadza partnering with number seven batsman Regis Chakabva contributed an unconquered 142 runs in 47.1 overs in the 6th wicket stand.
Earlier, H Masakadza made two big partnerships in the 2nd and 3rd wicket stand, scoring 67 runs in 25 overs pairing with Brian Chari in the 2nd wicket stand before Chari was caught by Tamim Iqbal off Taijul Islam leaving team total 84 for 2 in 31 overs.
H Masakadza built up another partnership with captain Brendan Taylor added 67 runs in 23.2 overs in the 3rd wicket stand before Taylor was caught by Mominul Haque off Shakib Al Hasan.
One down night watch batsman H Masakadza scored his 3rd test century scoring unbeaten 154 runs off 316 balls with 17 fours.
Number seven Chakabva scored not out 75 off 149 balls with 10 fours while skipper Taylor made 37 runs off 61 balls with four fours and a six.
Another night watch batsman Chari (25) and Craig Ervine (17) were the other notable scorers for the visiting side.
Shakib Al Hasan grabbed three wickets for 70 runs in 30 overs and Taijul Islam took two wickets for 94 runs, also in 30 overs. – – UNB
