The Tigers, set to score a stiff target of 374, were 98 for no loss at stumps, needing another 276 runs from a minimum of 90 overs in the final day today to complete a series win after their historic 226-run triumph in the first Test at Chittagong.

It was a satisfying fourth day for the home side after Nafees Iqbal and Javed Omar batted for almost two sessions and in the process broke the first wicket partnership record (91) that they set against the same team in Chittagong a week ago.

Nafees was unbeaten on 55 with Javed (36) to thwart Zimbabwe's hopes of squaring the series. The pair rose to the need of the occasion, which demanded extreme patience and they showed plenty of that after Tatenda Taibu did it for the visitors with a masterful 153.

After completing his maiden Test ton, the Zimbabwe captain used as many as eight bowlers to break the partnership but it was hard work without any success on a pitch that mystified all and sundry.

Taibu decided to employ a heavy roller after Zimbabwe closed their second innings on 286 shortly after the lunch break.

But his wish to exploit the big cracks never came as they suddenly disappeared after being rolled and it literally turned into a first day pitch much to the surprise of the experts, who predicted the Dhaka wicket would be a batsman's graveyard in the latter stages.

Although the wicket might have been a factor, but there was no denying the temperament and application shown by the two Bangladesh openers, who for a change, played within themselves and were not intimidated by the fact that they were chasing a big total.

Nafees is known for his aggressive instincts and he did hit seven boundaries, but none were scored from risky shots.

Javed once again showed how boring batting could be with his 187-ball 36. Dropped while on five in the slip by Hamilton Masakadza and survived a confident lbw appeal from first innings destroyer Douglas Hondo, the experienced right-hander hit two fours in his chancy yet vital undefeated knock.

But the hosts still face a tall task on the final day when Nafees and Javed start afresh.

Earlier, Taibu, who missed out on his hundred in the first Test at Chittagong by eight runs and ran out of partners in the first innings while batting on 85, finally reached the magical three-figure mark.

Resuming the day on 81 with Zimbabwe 203-6, the wicketkeeper-batsman hit two sixes and 19 fours before being the last man out.

Fittingly, young left-arm spinner Enamul Haque dismissed the Zimbabwe captain, who was caught at mid-on while trying to clear the in-filed circle.

It gave Enamul his second five-wicket haul in the match after his amazing 7-95 in the first innings. He is now the only Bangladeshi bowler to take ten wickets in a Test. The 18-year-old finished with 12-200.

The wonder boy also took his first five wickets in the second innings of the opening Test at Chittagong.