|| CF Correspondent ||

Bangladesh’s aspiration to rewrite the record book received a huge setback as Zimbabwe closed in on a victory, reducing the hosts to 111-5 at lunch on the fourth day of the first cricket test on Tuesday.

Offspinner Sikandar Raza claimed 3-41 to derail the chase after Bangladesh openers added 56 in pursuit of 321.

Zimbabwe’s bowlers die-hard approach caused coupled with Bangladeshi batsmen’s loos stroke caused the casualties even though wicket still holds no demon.

As Bangladesh began the day on 26-0, in an extended lunch session to make the lost overs of the previous day, Raza broke through with the wicket of Liton Das for 23, via leg-before to end a stubborn opening partnership.

Fast bowler Kyle Jarvis produced a beauty, extracting some extra bounce off the pitch to dismiss Mominul Haque (9) with Bangladesh at 67-2.

Kayes survived on 20 and vastly looked shaky but managed to resist spirited Zimbabwe bowlers for 103 balls.

However his decision to paddle sweep against Raza cost him the wicket on 43 in which he hit six fours.

Raza continued tormenting Bangladesh with his sly off-break but captain Mahmudullah perished to a loose shot for 11, to extend the agony.

Leg-spinner Brandon Mavuta dismissed Nazmul Hossain (13) for his maiden wicket in the last over of the lunch to take Zimbabwe closer to its first win since 2013.