Senior batsmen lead Bangladesh recovery

Bangladesh batsmen Tamim Iqbal (L) and Mominul Haque on April 25, 2013 at the Harare Sports Club.  By Jekesai Njikizana (AFP)

Bangladesh batsmen Tamim Iqbal (L) and Mominul Haque on April 25, 2013 at the Harare Sports Club. By Jekesai Njikizana (AFP)






HARARE (AFP) – Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim restored order to the Bangladesh innings on day one of the second Test against Zimbabwe on Thursday, after the touring side had threatened to implode once again.

Former captain Shakib and current captain Mushfiqur put on an unbeaten partnership of 46 for the fifth wicket to take Bangladesh to tea on 171 for four, after the top four batsmen had all gifted their wickets.

Jahurul Islam and Mohammad Ashraful were dismissed in the first session, with Jahurul guilty of an ungainly sliced drive and Ashraful caught at gully after making a mess of an attempted pull shot.

Tamim Iqbal then ran himself out in search of a 50th run, before Mominul Haque chipped a tame catch to mid-off to leave Bangladesh reeling on 125 for four after being put in to bat by Zimbabwe.

However Mushfiqur brought an air of calm to the crease and scored an unbeaten 21, while Tamim took a more aggressive approach on his way to 38 not out.

Bangladesh made four changes to the side that was bowled out for 134 and 147 in the first Test, with all-rounder Ziaur Rahman making his debut and Sajidul Islam playing his first Test in over five years.

Tamim and Mominul also came into the side as Rubel Hossain, Shahriar Nafees, Mahmudullah and Enamul Haque Jr dropped out.

Zimbabwe made one change, with Regis Chakabva brought in to open the batting after Timycen Maruma injured his knee in training earlier this week.