Bangladesh were fighting to avoid an innings defeat at the hands of thetouring Zimbabwe squad

Staff Correspondent10-Nov-2001
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Bangladesh were fighting to avoid an innings defeat at the hands of thetouring Zimbabwe squad. At the end of the third day the hosts lost three wicketsto score 125 runs, still they are 199 short of the Zimbabwean first inningstotal. Veteran batsman Aminul Islam is staying at the crease with 6 in thecompany of Mohammed Ashraful at the other end with naught.

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Earlier Zimbabwe added 83 more runs to their overnight total of 348. Thefirst session was reserved for Travis friend who hammered 81. Heath Streak made65 before he was on his stride. Friend was well supported by Bryan Murphy, whomanaged 25. Zimbabwe threw a good challenge to Bangladesh before they werepacked up for 431, taking a 324-run lead.

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Bangladesh had an early damage like their previous innings and for the secondtime Al-Sahariar had to go first. A rising delivery from Friend hit Al-Sahariar’sgloves to offer a catch to Grant Flower, who grabbed it comfortably running awayfrom point.

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Then it was Javed Omar and Habibul Bashar put a good show as they made a102-run second wicket partnership, playing with discretion. They were dealingwith the opponent spinners well and gathered momentum. Bashar notched up 65before attempting a half-hearted shot off a Friend delivery. His knock wascomprised of ten scintillating boundaries.

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

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