Harare Test hangs in balance

Bangladesh struck four late blows on the third day to help limit Zimbabwe's advantage in the one-off Test in Harare.

Hosts Zimbabwe had looked in complete control as they earned an 87-run first-innings lead after dismissing Bangladesh for 287 before then reaching 69 without loss in their second knock - putting them 152 ahead with 10 wickets in hand.

However, Bangladesh dismissed Tino Mawoyo (35), Vusi Sibanda (38) and Hamilton Masakadza (five) - who between them had scored 225 of their side's 370 runs in the first innings - before then sending back nightwatchman Ray Price (four) as Zimbabwe lost four wickets for just 23 runs before stumps.

That saw Zimbabwe close on 92 for four, and while their lead of 175 with six wickets remaining still leaves them in the ascendancy, they will know it could have been much better.

Earlier, Bangladesh were bowled out just before tea after suffering a late-order collapse.

Beginning the day on 103 for three, Mohammad Ashraful (73) and Shakib Al Hasan (68) recorded half-centuries to help the visitors reach 246 for five.

However, the dismissal of captain Shakib led to Bangladesh losing their last five wickets for the addition of just 41 runs as Zimbabwe claimed a healthy first-innings lead.

Paceman Brian Vitori finished with figures of four for 66 on his Test debut for Zimbabwe, who are playing their first Test match since ending a self-imposed six-year exile, while Chris Mpofu and Price picked up two wickets apiece.

When Zimbabwe starting their second innings opening pair Mawoyo and Sibanda looked on course for another century partnership after their 102 in the first innings.

That stand came to an end though when Sibanda was caught off the bowling of Rubel Hossain, and 10 runs later Mawoyo was also out after being bowled by Robiul Islam.

That saw Masakadza and captain Brendan Taylor - who shared a third-wicket stand of 142 in the first innings - reunited, but Masakadza, having completed a century on day two, lasted just 28 balls before he was caught and bowled by Shakib.

Price could occupy just eight deliveries before he too was out, trapped lbw by Abdur Razzak, as the procession of Zimbabwe batsman back to the dressing room continued.

There would be no more breakthroughs for Bangladesh before the close, however, with Taylor (five) and Tatenda Taibu (nought) remaining unbeaten.