Tough task for tourists

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP):

Bangladesh closed to within 263 runs of victory at stumps on day four of the one-off Test match against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club yesterday.

The tourists reached 112 for three at the close in pursuit of a target of 375.

Earlier, Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor hit a maiden Test century to lead the side to 291 for five declared at tea.

Tamim Iqbal top-scored for Bangladesh with 43, putting on 65 runs for the first wicket with fellow opener Imrul Kayes (31) before both were dismissed.

Zimbabwe newcomer Kyle Jarvis ended with figures of 2-40, accounting for Kayes and Shahriar Nafees on 9.

Zimbabwe is playing in its first Test since 2005 when a fallout between players and administrators led to the country voluntarily withdrawing from the five-day game.

Taylor finished unbeaten on 105 when the declaration was made. He is the first Zimbabwean to score a century in his first match as captain since Dave Houghton against India in 1992.

Taylor hit nine boundaries in his 175-ball innings. He shared a 113-run fifth-wicket partnership with Tatenda Taibu (59) sweeping comfortably against the spinners to restore Zimbabwe's advantage after the African side collapsed to 92 for four in the last session on Saturday.

Taibu added just six runs to his lunchtime score before he was well caught by Robiul Islam driving off the front foot from Shafiul Islam's bowling.

Taylor added 86 runs with test newcomer Craig Ervine, who finished 35 not out off 55 balls, including four boundaries.