Fine half-centuries from Nick Welch and Sean Williams put Zimbabwe in a strong position at 161 for two at tea on the opening day of the second Test against Bangladesh in Chattogram on Monday.
However, a combination of misfortune and some inspired bowling saw them finish the day on 227 for nine.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Zimbabwe made a steady start.
Brian Bennett played positively while Ben Curran anchored the innings, with the pair putting on 41 for the first wicket.
Both fell for 21, with Bennett departing first to bring in Welch.
Curran was dismissed with the score on 72, paving the way for a key partnership between Welch and Williams.
The duo batted with great composure and skill throughout the afternoon, navigating the Bangladesh attack to take Zimbabwe into a strong position at the tea break.
Shortly after the interval, though, Zimbabwe suffered an unfortunate blow when Welch, on 54, had to retire hurt due to cramps in his hands.
The disruption to the batting order coincided with Bangladesh tightening their lines, and wickets began to fall.
Craig Ervine edged behind for five and, shortly afterward, Williams was caught attempting a paddle sweep after a fine innings of 67.
Both wickets fell to the off-spinner Nayeem Hasan, whose clever variations troubled the middle order.
Even after reaching 200 with four wickets down, Zimbabwe faced a renewed challenge as Taijul Islam struck with a brilliant spell of left-arm spin.
He accounted for Wessly Madhevere (15) before claiming two wickets in two balls, removing Wellington Masakadza and Richard Ngarava to dent Zimbabwe’s progress further.
Tafadzwa Tsiga showed resilience in the lower order, but lost Vincent Masekesa to a run-out.
Welch, having returned after his earlier injury, was unable to rebuild and was bowled by Taijul for 54, ending a courageous innings that had spanned 133 deliveries and included two sixes and three fours.
By stumps, Zimbabwe were 227 for nine, with Tsiga unbeaten on 18 and Blessing Muzarabani on two.
Zimbabwe – 227-9 in 90 overs (Sean Williams 67, Nick Welch 54, Brian Bennett 21; Taijul Islam 5/60, Nayeem Hasan 2/42, Tanzim Hasan Sakib 1/49)
Bangladesh –
Day 1 – Stumps
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