Bangladesh close in on victory on Mahmudullah's final day

Bangladesh edged closer to a victory over Zimbabwe after the first session on the final day of the Harare Test, which also turned out to be Mahmudullah Riyad's final day in Test cricket.

Bangladesh bowlers failed to make any breakthrough in the first hour, but the scenario changed completely after the drinks break with Mehedi Hasan Miraz striking twice.

The Zimbabweans, who had scored 19 runs off 17 overs in the first hour without much trouble,  lost two wickets in the same over from Miraz.

The off-spinner removed Dion Myers for 26 and Timycen Maruma for naught before Taskin Ahmed produced a fiery spell of pace bowling.

The pacer took care of Roy Kaia (0) and Regis Chakabva in consecutive overs. Taskin was unlucky not to get another wicket in the following over as he bowled Victor Nyauchi off a no-ball before a huge caught-behind appeal was turned down.

The two batsmen -- Nyauchi and Tiripano negitiated the remaining few overs before Lunch to move to 176 for seven.

Earlier, Mahmudullah was given a guard of honour by the Bangladesh players before the start of the day's play.

The veteran batsman had reportedly informed his teammates about his intention to retire after the third day's play.

The right-hander had scored an unbeaten 150 in the first innings but did not get to bat the second time around as Bangladesh declared at 284 for one.

The 35-year-old was also seen having lengthy chats with veteran umpire Marais Erasmus while fielding at square-leg.