UNB, Khulna :A brilliant century by Hamilton Masakadza guided Zimbabwe to 331 for 5 in 112 overs in the first innings at stumps on the 3rd day of the 2nd Test of the three-match Bashundhara Cement Series at Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium here on Wednesday. Replying to Bangladesh first innings total 433 runs, touring Zimbabwe resumed their first innings with overnight 53 for 1 in 19 overs and trailed by 102 runs after the third day (Wednesday) displaying gritty batting especially by long serving H Masakadza. H Masakadza partnering with number seven batsman Regis Chakabva contributed an unconquered 142 runs in 47.1 overs in the 6th wicket stand. Earlier, H Masakadza made two big partnerships in the 2nd and 3rd wicket stand, scoring 67 runs in 25 overs pairing with Brian Chari in the 2nd wicket stand before Chari was caught by Tamim Iqbal off Taijul Islam leaving team total 84 for 2 in 31 overs.H Masakadza built up another partnership with captain Brendan Taylor added 67 runs in 23.2 overs in the 3rd wicket stand before Taylor was caught by Mominul Haque off Shakib Al Hasan.One down night watch batsman H Masakadza scored his 3rd test century scoring unbeaten 154 runs off 316 balls with 17 fours.Number seven Chakabva scored not out 75 off 149 balls with 10 fours while skipper Taylor made 37 runs off 61 balls with four fours and a six.Another night watch batsman Chari (25) and Craig Ervine (17) were the other notable scorers for the visiting side. Shakib Al Hasan grabbed three wickets for 70 runs in 30 overs and Taijul Islam took two wickets for 94 runs, also in 30 overs. Earlier, on the 2nd day on Tuesday, two centuries by Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan helped Bangladesh post their expected 433 runs in the first innings against Zimbabwe. Opener Tamim Iqbal scored his 5th Test century while world famed all rounder Shakib Al Hasan hit his 3rd ton on the 2nd day enabling Bangladesh to score their 2nd highest total against Zimbabwe after 488 in Chittagong in January 2005.The Tigers resumed the first innings with overnight 193 for 3 in 90 overs and were all out for 433 in 158.5 overs after the tea break.Tamim Iqbal (74) pairing with number five batsman Shakib Al Hasan (13) contributed 132 runs in 35.5 overs in the 4th wicket stand to take the team total to 305 runs from 173 overs.Tamim’s 5th Test century came after four years, scoring 109 runs off 332 balls with 10 fours while world number three Test all rounder Shakib Al Hasan made his 3rd ton after three years, scoring 137 runs off 180 balls with 18 fours and two sixes. Tamim Iqbal was caught by Craig Ervine off Hamilton Masakadza at 305 for 4 in 118.4 overs while Shakib was bowled by Malcom Waller with the scoreboard showing 376 for 6 in 141.1 overs.Lower order batsman Taijul Islam, who made a record bowling figure of 8/39 in the first Test in Mirpur last week for Bangladesh, scored 32 runs off 44 balls with four fours.Shahadat Hossain (18), Shuvagata Hom (15) and skipper Mushfiqur Rahim (11) were the other scorers for Bangladesh who reached the double digit.Tinashe Panyangara, Tendai Chatara and Malcolm Waller grabbed two wickets each for 49, 61 and 65 runs respectively while H Masakadza, Elton Chigumbura and Natsai M’shangwe took one wicket apiece. Brief Score:Bangladesh first innings: 433 for all in 158.5 overs; Shakib Al Hasan 137, Tamim Iqbal 109, Mahmudullah 56, Tinashe Panyangara 2/49, Tendai Chatara 2/61, Malcolm Waller 2/65. Zimbabwe first innings: 331 for 5 in 112 overs (overnight 53/1 in 19 overs);, Hamilton Masakadza batting 154, Regis Chakabva batting 75, Brendan Taylor 37, Brian Chari 25, Craig Ervine 17, Shakib Al Hasan 3/70, Taijul Islam 2/94.
