Will Bangladesh be able to save innings defeat

Bangladesh were fighting to avoid an innings defeat at the hands of the touring Zimbabwe squad. At the end of the third day the hosts lost three wickets to score 125 runs, still they are 199 short of the Zimbabwean first innings total. Veteran batsman Aminul Islam is staying at the crease with 6 in the company of Mohammed Ashraful at the other end with naught.

Earlier Zimbabwe added 83 more runs to their overnight total of 348. The first session was reserved for Travis friend who hammered 81. Heath Streak made 65 before he was on his stride. Friend was well supported by Bryan Murphy, who managed 25. Zimbabwe threw a good challenge to Bangladesh before they were packed up for 431, taking a 324-run lead.

Bangladesh had an early damage like their previous innings and for the second time Al-Sahariar had to go first. A rising delivery from Friend hit Al-Sahariar's gloves to offer a catch to Grant Flower, who grabbed it comfortably running away from point.

Then it was Javed Omar and Habibul Bashar put a good show as they made a 102-run second wicket partnership, playing with discretion. They were dealing with the opponent spinners well and gathered momentum. Bashar notched up 65 before attempting a half-hearted shot off a Friend delivery. His knock was comprised of ten scintillating boundaries.

Javed Omar got out when he tried to go for an ambitious shot off Marillier that went straight to Henry Olonga. Javed played patiently all through except that shot.

Bad light stopped the proceedings of the third day. Aminul and Ashraful are two not out batsmen at the crease and two more days are left in front.