Live Cricket Score of Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe, 2nd Test, Day 3 at Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium

Centuries from Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan put Bangladesh in a dominant position. The opener made a fine 109 while the versatile all-rounder completed a facile 137. Bangladesh ended their first innings on an impressive 433.

Zimbabwe started their reply in a disastrous fashion, losing Sikandar Raza (11) very early on. Hamilton Masakadza and debutant, Brian Chari put their heads down as the visitors ended the day at 53/1.

Hamilton Masakadza was dropped very early on day three. Shamsur Rahman was the culprit, failing to a sharp chance at wide slip. Taijul was the unlucky bowler. An early strike would have put Zimbabwe under early pressure but the let-off allowed Masakadza to forge a solid start for the visitors.

Brian Chari batted in a stubborn manner on his Test debut but was eventually dismissed by Taijul Islam for 25, offering a tame catch to Tamim Iqbal at mid-off. That ended a handy stand worth 67 runs for the second wicket with Masakadza. Taijul grabbed his second wicket of the innings.

Having been reprieved early on by Shamsur, Masakadza made the most of his good fortune, completing his 5th Test fifty. Together with skipper, Brendan Taylor, the two most experienced Zimbabwe batsmen set about setting up a solid platform for the middle-order. Zimbabwe scored 87 runs in the first session as they went into lunch at a strong 140/2

Zimbabwe suffered a huge setback soon after play resumed after the lunch interval as Brendan Taylor fell after a composed innings. The Zimbabwe captain had looked quite set at the crease and could have easily gone on to make a much more significant contribution. He, however, was outfoxed by Shakib al Hasan and inside-edged a flick to forward-short-leg.

Shakib went on to strike again soon after, as he had Sean Ervine walking to the pavillion after making 17 to leave the visitors in a spot. The left-hander went one better a couple of overs later as he had the dangerous Elton Chigumbura out, to give Bangladesh a huge boost.

Masakadza essayed a fine hundred to shore up Zimbabwe's innings against Bangladesh.Zimbabwe went in to Tea at 231/5.