Bangladesh edge closer to victory against Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe batsman Hamilton Masakadza in the second Test between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh on April 29, 2013 in Harare.  By Jekesai Njikizana (AFP)

Zimbabwe batsman Hamilton Masakadza in the second Test between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh on April 29, 2013 in Harare. By Jekesai Njikizana (AFP)






HARARE (AFP) – Hamilton Masakadza continued his stubborn resistance for Zimbabwe on Monday but two wickets in the first session of day five kept Bangladesh on course for a series-levelling victory in the second Test at Harare Sports Club.

Masakadza extended his vigil at the crease to 182 deliveries on the way to 73 not out but the dismissal of his brother, Shingirai, brought a double breakthrough for Bangladesh and left Zimbabwe on 194 for six at lunch — still 207 runs short of an unlikely victory.

The Masakadza brothers had thwarted Bangladesh’s bowlers for 119 minutes, seeing the home side through the first hour of the final day unscathed before Shingirai was trapped lbw by Mohammad Ashraful.

Elton Chigumbura’s stay at the crease was brief, as he chipped his ninth delivery tamely to short midwicket as Zimbabwe threatened to collapse.

However Richmond Mutumbami joined the older Masakadza and saw Zimbabwe through to the lunch break.

Bangladesh will have at least 59 more overs in their bid to claim the last four wickets, while the second new ball is just five overs away.