Bangladesh gain healthy lead

Shakib, Mushfiqur shine on day three of second Test against Zimbabwe.

Bangladesh gained a healthy 272-run lead in the second-innings after half-centuries from all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and captain Mushfiqur Rahim helped their cause on the third day of the second Test against Zimbabwe.

Shakib, who made 81 in Bangladesh first-innings score of 391, followed up with 59 as the tourists reached 163 for five at stumps. His dismissal towards the end of the day, however, gave Zimbabwe hope of restricting their opponents for a reasonable total.

Captain Mushfiqur Rahim shone once again, hitting his second fifty of the match, and was unbeaten on 50.

Earlier, Robiul Islam finished with a five-wicket haul to help bundle out Zimbabwe for 282 in their first-innings. Elton Chigumbura made a superb 86 and Mutumbami hit 42 but Sohag Gazi, who took four for 59, and Islam ensured Bangladesh remained on top in the series-decider.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 28^th, 2013.