Zim A Force Draw in 2nd 'A' Test

Zimbabwe A were just 28 runs short of victory with three overs remaining when bad light stopped play to end the 2nd 'A' Test against Bangladesh in Mutare, but Zim will be pleased with the result after again having problems removing the Bangladeshi batsmen.

Bangladesh elected to bat after winning the toss, and centuries from Mehrab Hossain Jnr (120) and Alok Kapali (111) helped Bangladesh to another good 1st innings total of 380. Zimbabwe's bowling was economical enough, but yet again didn't seem to cause significant problems for the batsmen, with only Trevor Garwe (6/65) making any real progress. Zim's reply got off to the worst possible start with a first-ball duck for Tinashe Hove, before the middle order stabilised the innings, although the lower order again collapsed to a 1st-innings total of 258 - well behind Bangladesh. Enamul Haque Jnr did most of the damage, taking 5/61.

Bangladesh's 2nd innings looked to be going much the same way as the first, until the visitors declared on 258/6 after allowing opening batsman Mehrab Hossain Jnr to bring up his second ton of the match (100*), leaving Zimbabwe chasing 381 for a win - a target which, based on their recent performances, looked decidedly out-of-reach, but after a slow start (Tinashe Hove again disappointing, eventually leaving for 0 after facing 19 balls) the home team decided to take the battle to Bangladesh, lead by an impressive 131 from captain Hamilton Masakadza. Sadly, failing light left them with a case of "so near, yet so far", but the team's prospects now look considerably brighter ahead of the 3rd and final 'A' Test at Queen's Sports Club, Bulawayo, starting on Friday (30 June).
Bangladesh 380 & 258/6 dec, Zimbabwe 258 & 352/8
Match Drawn. Bangladesh lead series 1-0 with one to play.