BY DANIEL NHAKANISO
BRENDAN Taylor scored the joint fastest half century by a Zimbabwean in Test cricket, but came eight runs short of what could have been a recordbreaking century as Bangladesh edged closer to victory on the penultimate day of the one-off Test at Harare Sports Club yesterday.
After Bangladesh had set Zimbabwe an enormous target of 477 runs for victory, Taylor, who came in following the dismissal of opener Milton Shumba, raced to a thrilling 50 off just 33 balls, equalling Andy Blignaut’s effort against Pakistan in 2002.
The stand-in Zimbabwe captain, who scored 81 in the first innings, appeared on course to set a new Zimbabwe record for the fastest century in Test cricket before he was dismissed on 92 off 73 deliveries after returning an easy catch to offspinner Mehidy Hasan.
Taylor shared a second-wicket partnership stand of 95 runs with Takudzwanashe Kaitano, who after facing over 300 deliveries for his 87 in the first innings, put on another dogged defensive batting display.
However, unlike in the first innings, where the Rhinos batsman kicked on after wearing down the Bangladesh bowlers, he perished two overs before the close of play on seven off 102 deliveries.
His dismissal meant Zimbabwe finished day four on 140 for the loss of three wickets, still needing 337 runs for an unlikely win, with debutant Dion Myers unbeaten on 18 and Donald Tiripano keeping him company on 7.
After a batting collapse on the third day left them with a first innings deficit of 192 runs, Zimbabwe resumed the penultimate day with their back firmly against the wall while Bangladesh were well poised for victory.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
The visitors continued on the ascendancy with a superb batting display to set Zimbabwe a mammoth target of 477 runs to win in just over four sessions.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers found the going tough on the lifeless pitch as Najmul Hossain Shanto and Shadman Islam both scored centuries as Bangladesh declared at 284 for one in their second innings to build a colossal 476-run lead.
This left Zimbabwe needing to surpass the West Indies’ world record fourth innings run chase of 418 set 18 years ago, but after closing on 140 for three, the hosts are facing a daunting task, just to avoid defeat.
