HARARE - Saqlain Sajib returned to haunt Zimbabwe A again after his six wickets in the tourists’ second innings on the third day of the first unofficial Test left them on the brink of defeat.
Zimbabwe A were dismissed for 108 in the coastal town of Cox’s Bazar, capitulating once again to Sajib’s bowling after the 25-year-old left-arm orthodox rocked their batting line-up with nine wickets during their first innings total of 206.
Bangladesh A need 612 runs to win the match today.
Zimbabwe A’s slow bowlers had themselves earlier in the day led a remarkable fight-back, in spin-friendly conditions, by bowling out Bangladesh A to 211.
Mountaineers left-arm spinner Wellington Masakadza was particularly impressive for the visitors, grabbing six wickets for 63 runs in his 38 overs.
The 20-year-old, youngest brother of Hamilton and Shingirai Masakadza, was well-supported by spinning all-rounder Tino Mutombodzi.
Mutombodzi, a fringe Zimbabwe international, took four wickets to help keep Zimbabwe in the hunt on day three.
No seam bowler has been successful so far in this four-day match.
In their second innings, Bangladesh A opening batsman Litton Das top-scored with 54 runs before being caught behind by wicketkeeper Regis Chakabva off Masakadza’s bowling in the 34th over.
Raqibul Hasan and Shadman Islam scored 43 and 40 runs respectively to see off Bangladesh to a first innings lead of just five runs.
Zimbabwe A’s batsmen however ruined the bowlers good work, again finding Sajib unplayable in conditions he has thoroughly exploited.
Sajib got his six scalps for 50 runs from 21.2 overs while 19-year-old leg-spinner Jubair Hossain claimed four wickets to restrict the visitors to 108, a lead of 103 runs.