CHITTAGONG: Bangladesh opener Shadman Islam smashed a century in the second Test against Zimbabwe on Tuesday, giving the hosts a lead of 64 runs at the end of the second day with three wickets in hand.

Bangladesh were 291-7 at the close, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz (16) and Taijul Islam (five) remaining not out, in response to Zimbabwe`s first innings total of 227.

Shadman recorded a career-best knock of 120 and partnered with Anamul Haque in a first-wicket stand of 118 runs, only the 10th time that Bangladesh`s openers had passed the 100-run mark in Tests.

Despite Shadman`s century, the other batsmen failed to exploit the dry and slow surface at Chattogram after a good start.

Anamul, who was making a comeback to the Test team after three years, scored 39.

Mominul Haque (33) and Mushfigur Rahim (40) have also struggled to convert good starts into big scores.

Mushfigur, who failed to pass the 50-run mark inthe past 12 innings, was run out by Wessly Madhevere.

Bangladesh were 259-3 at one point but then lost their next four wickets for 20 runs.

Vincent Masekesa, Zimbabwe`s debutant leg-spinner, took three wickets, including those of Bangladesh`s captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and wicketkeeperbatterJaker Ali.

Resuming with one wicket in hand, their innings was wrapped up with Taijul`s first ball of the second day.

Zimbabwe`s tailender Blessing Muzarabani edged Taijul`s first ball of the morning session to Jaker, leaving the left-arm slow bowler with figures of 6-60.

Taijul had already taken his 16th five-wicket haul in Tests on Monday. Fellowspinner Nayeem Hasan finished with 2-42.

Zimbabwe collapsed from a comfortable 177-2 during Monday`s final session, losing their last eight wickets for 50 runs.

Sean Williams with 67 was Zimbabwe`s top scorer and Nick Welch made 54 after captain Craig Ervine won the toss and opted to bat.

Zimbabwe are 1-0 up in the two-Test series after winning the opener in Sylhet by three wickets.

-AFP