Nasir Hossain’s aggressive 77 lifted Bangladesh to an imposing first-innings total on day two of the second Test against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club.
The 21-year-old allrounder arrived at the crease on Thursday with Bangladesh precariously placed on 5-248 and the second new ball just six overs away but he counterattacked to good effect to help the tourists score 391.
Ziaur Rahman was trapped lbw in just the fourth over of the second day after Bangladesh had resumed on 6-300 on Friday but Nasir shared a 51-run stand with Sohag Gazi for the eighth wicket.
Both batsmen were eventually dismissed by legspinner Graeme Cremer, with Nasir bowled around his legs at the end of his 103-ball knock.
Robiul Islam’s unbeaten 24 included two fours and two sixes as the No.11 batsman added a final insult to Zimbabwe’s bowlers, who had Bangladesh struggling at 4-125 at one stage on day one.
After Elton Chigumbura brought the Bangladeshi innings to a close, Zimbabwe’s openers successfully saw out an over from Robiul to go to lunch at 0-1.