Bangladesh Eye 300-Run Lead as Shanto, Jaker Steady the Ship Before Bad Light Ends Day

Bad light forced an early end to Day Three of the Sylhet Test, with Bangladesh leading Zimbabwe by 112 runs and still holding six wickets in hand. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto led from the front with a composed, unbeaten 60 off 103 balls, while debutant Jaker Ali Anik provided steady support with 21* at the other end.

The pair has added a vital unbeaten 39-run partnership, giving Bangladesh a strong platform heading into Day Four. Their calm, responsible batting helped steady the innings after the loss of three quick wickets earlier in the day, including the dismissal of senior batter Mushfiqur Rahim.

Earlier, Bangladesh resumed play after a rain-washed morning session, but wickets fell in clusters — Joy, Mominul, and Mushfiqur all departed in quick succession. Mominul, who scored a well-made 47, later shared Bangladesh’s plans in the post-match press conference.

“We’re aiming to set a target of over 300,” Mominul said. “Even if we fall slightly short — say 270–280 — we’ll still be in a strong position. But 300 would definitely give us a better advantage.”

With Shanto still at the crease and in-form lower-order players like Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, and Hasan Mahmud yet to bat, Bangladesh are confident they can stretch the lead significantly.

“Miraz is yet to come in, and then we have Taijul and Hasan, who can also bat. That gives us confidence,” Mominul explained. “Tomorrow morning might be tough to bat, so we’ll need to be smart. Calculated batting will be key. If we can build good partnerships, we can definitely push the lead close to 300.”

Due to the loss of playing time on Day Three, Day Four (Wednesday) will begin 15 minutes earlier than scheduled — at 9:45 a.m. local time — to make up for the overs lost.