BAN vs Zim: Mominul, Najmul 50s help host get close to lead

Dhaka, Feb 23:  Fifties from captain Mominul Haque and Najmul Hossain Shanto helped Bangladesh get within 25 runs of Zimbabwe's first innings total on Day 2 of the one off Test between the two sides at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium in Dhaka.

While Najmul was dismissed on 71, Mominul remained unbeaten on 79 with Mushfiqur Rahim keeping him company at the end of the day on Sunday.

Abu Jayed completed his four-fer earlier in the day as he and Taijul Islam wiped out the Zimbabwe tail and the visitors were all out for 265. Zimbabwe struck in the third over with Victor Nyauchi getting an edge off Saif Hassan that flew to wicketkeeper Regis Chakabva. Najmul and Tamim Iqbal saw Bangladesh through to Lunch and the score was 25/1 in 8 overs at the end of the first session.

The pair carried on deep into the second session before Tamim's edge was caught by the wicketkeeper of Donald Tiripano.

Najmul and Mominul then put up 76 runs for the third wicket and ensured that Bangladesh don't lose a wicket until well after Tea. Charlton Tshuma got his maiden Test wicket when he drew an edge from Najmul that flew to the wicketkeeper who made no mistake with the catch once again.

Mushfiqur and Mominul have now put up 68 runs for the fourth wicket and Bangladesh look set to put up a big lead on Day 3.

Brief scores: Zimbabwe 265 (Craig Ervine 107, Prince Masvaure 64; Nayeem Hassan 4/70) vs Bangladesh 240/3 (Mominul Haque 79, Najmul Hossain Shanto 71 n.o.; Donald Tiripano 1/40)