Mushfiqur hits double as Tigers corner Zimbabwe

Dhaka, February 24

Mushfiqur Rahim hit his third Test double-century as Bangladesh declared their first innings with a lead of 295 in their one-off match against Zimbabwe. Bangladesh ended their innings on 560/6 in the final session before spinner Nayeem Hasan claimed two wickets in two balls in the first over.

The visitors reached 9/2 at stumps on the third day, still needing 286 runs to make Bangladesh bat again on a wearing pitch at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.

Mushfiqur, who became the highest run-scorer for Bangladesh in Tests, hit an unbeaten 203, while skipper Mominul Haque made 132, after the hosts resumed on 240/3.

Mushfiqur and Mominul added 222 for the fourth wicket, while wicketkeeper-batsman Liton Das made 53 to give the hosts their highest-ever total against Zimbabwe.

Mominul declared the innings soon after Mushfiqur reached the 200-run mark after hitting Ainsley Ndlovu past extra cover for a boundary. Nayeem struck with the second ball of the innings, bowling Prince Masvaure for a duck, before dismissing nightwatchman Doland Tiripano. — AFP

Brief scores: Zimbabwe: 265 and 9/2 (Kasuza 8*, Nayeem 2/4); Bangladesh: 560/6 decl. (Mushfiqur 203*, Mominul 132);