|| CF Correspondent ||

Bangladesh were left frustrated on day one of the opening Test of the two-match series when Zimbabwe batsmen neutralized the hosts’ three-pronged spin, showing an unwavering resolve.

Sean Williams scored a fighting 88 and captain Hamilton Masakadza added 52, to steer the side to 236-5 at stumps.

Masakadza showed the way to fight a spin-heavy Bangladeshi attack when left-arm spinner Taijul Islam made early inroads with the new ball, dismissing opener Brian Chari for 13. Chari needlessly charged a straight ball and was bowled.

Taijul (2-86) then claimed the prized scalp of Brendan Taylor (6), who offered a low catch at short leg.

Masakadza, who had earlier won the toss and chose to bat first, stayed patient on an otherwise flat pitch and brought up his eighth half-century, off 94 balls with four boundaries and two sixes, just before lunch.

But pacer Abu Jayed found some sharp movement off the pitch to trap Masakadza lbw straight after the interval, ending his 99 ball-52.

Williams who far played patiently then took the anchor role.

He and Skinadar Raza combined for a 44-run partnership for the fourth wicket to steady the innings before left-arm spinner Nazmul Islam Apu got the better of Raza (19) for his maiden wicket.

Williams found a support in Peter Moor as they shared a 72-run partnership for the fifth wicket.

They were not entirely comfortable against the spinners but showed a stubbornness to keep Bangladesh frustrated.

Captain Mahmudullah however brought the side back in the game, dismissing Williams with one that spun sharply.