Bangladesh reach 503 against Zimbabwe

Bangladesh have been bowled out for 503 in their first innings on day two of the third Test against Zimbabwe as they chased a clean sweep of the series.

It was Bangladesh’s highest total against Zimbabwe, surpassing the previous best of 488 set in 2005.

Bangladesh resumed on Thursday at a powerful 303-2 after a 224-run opening stand between Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes, but Zimbabwe’s bowlers put in a stronger performance over the opening two sessions on day two.

Shakib al-Hasan made 71, Mominul Haque scored 45 while Rubel Hossain smashed a quick 45 not out, entertaining the local crowd.

Part time off-spinner Sikandar Raza was the most successful bowler for Zimbabwe, claiming 3-123.

Hamilton Masakadza (2-23), Tinashe Panyangara (2-70) and Shingi Masakadza (2-77) picked up two wickets apiece.

Bangladesh lost three wickets in the opening session as Zimbabwe bowlers bowled a tighter line and length than on day one.

Tinashe Panyangara gave the side a much-needed breakthrough when Mominul Haque nicked one to the slips on 48.

Shingi Masakadza was also rewarded for his good work through the morning session, removing Mahmudullah lbw for 16.

Medium pacer Hamilton Masakadza then dismissed captain Mushfiqur Rahim for 15, playing the ball onto his stumps, to make the first session a good one for the tourists.

Shakib al-Hasan resisted and paved a solid platform of taking the side a big total.

He was on course of his back-to-back Test century until he played a rash shot against the flighted delivery of Sikandar Raza. Craig Ervine leapt his right to take an excellent catch at cover.

Rubel Hossain entertained the crowd with a barrage of big shots, scoring 45 off 44 balls with four sixes to take Bangladesh past 500 for the fourth time in Test history.

He and Jubair Hossain (5) added 52 runs for the 10th wicket, a Bangladesh-Zimbabwe record for the last wicket.

Bangladesh, aiming for a 3-0 sweep, claimed the first Test by three wickets and second by 162 runs.

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