Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani has put his team in control at stumps on day three of the first Test against Bangladesh in Sylhet. Day three - known as moving day in Test cricket—was marred with rain, as only 44 overs were bowled. The home side, who started on a steady note and were placed at 57 runs for the loss of one wicket, lost three quick wickets to end the day at 194 runs for the loss of four wickets. Muzarabani took three of the four wickets to fall as Bangladesh were effectively 112 runs for the loss of four wickets, with a lead of just 112 runs.
For the home side, skipper Najmul Shanto led from the front by scoring an unbeaten 60 runs. Along the way, the southpaw rode on a bit of luck as he was dropped on 26 runs. He made the visitors pay for the costly miss. Shanto was involved in two good partnerships, first with Mominul Haque for the third wicket and later with an unbroken 39-run stand with Jaker Ali.
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Still the game is very match under balance, as anything over 200 runs in the fourth innings would pose a significant threat to Zimbabwe batters.
Najmul Shanto key as Zimbabwe looks to bundle out Bangladesh for a low score
Shanto would be a key wicket for the visiting side, as he has looked assured at the crease. If Zimbabwe manages to get his wicket early on day four, then the match could be heavily tilted in favor of the visiting side. Chasing anything over 200 runs would be a difficult task in the subcontinent, as the pitches usually start turning on days four and five.
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