Bad light ends Day 3 as Shanto fifty extends lead

Bangladesh posted 194 for 4 in their second innings of the first Test against Zimbabwe before bad light brought an early end to Day 3 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium today.

Despite a rain-marred morning that delayed the start of play until 1:00 pm, the hosts made steady progress once action got underway. 

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto led from the front with a composed unbeaten 60, anchoring the innings with calm authority. He found a reliable partner in Jaker Ali, who remained not out on 21, as the duo ensured Bangladesh extended their lead to a healthy 112 with six wickets still in hand.

However, just as the final session was building towards a crucial phase, fading light forced umpires to call off play at around 5:00 pm — an hour before the scheduled close at 6:00 pm.
 

Bangladesh take 73-run lead to Tea

Bangladesh went to Tea on the third day of the Sylhet Test with a 73-run lead against Zimbabwe, having lost three wickets in the day so far. The Tigers were 155 for four, having lost three wickets in the session.

The first session of the day was completely washed out due to rain in the morning following downpour overnight.

With play beginning at 1:00pm and Bangladesh starting at 67/1 in their second innings, the hosts lost their second wicket of the innings when Mahmudul Hasan Joy fell to a sharp bouncer from Blessing Muzarabani for 33,

Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto had a reprieve when he was dropped behind by Nyasha Mayavo off Wesley Madhevere, however, the Zimbabwe wicketkeeper made no mistake in catching Mominul Haque (47) of Victor Nyauchi.

Veteran Mushfiqur Rahim, hopelessly short of form in all formats in domestic or international cricket, failed to make an impression against his favourite opponents -- falling at the stroke of Tea, becoming the third victim of the innings of Muzarabani. 

Shanto, who waa aggressive early on, copped a few blow to stay at the crease on 44. 

Mushfiqur Rahim having a bit of fun with the ground staff and match officials. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

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Play on Day 3 of the first Test between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe to start at 1:00 pm after rain relented and superb drainage system at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium helped expedite the process.

According to match officials, Tea will be taken at 3:20 pm while the final session of the day from 3:40 pm - 6:00 pm

PHOTO: FIROZ AHMED

Persistent rain and a light thunderstorm prevented the start of the third day's play in the opening Test between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Play was scheduled to resume at 10:00am local time, but steady rainfall from early morning left the outfield wet and unplayable, with match officials forced to delay proceedings.

The gloomy skies and rumbles of thunder have cast a shadow over the day's action, and with no signs of improvement in the immediate forecast, the likelihood of any play in the first session appears slim. Weather reports suggest that the current conditions could linger for the next two to three days, raising concerns over the remainder of the Test match.

At the close of day two, Bangladesh were trailing by 25 runs in their second innings, having reached 57 for 1. Earlier in the match, Bangladesh posted 191 after opting to bat first. Zimbabwe responded strongly with 273, taking an 82-run lead.