STUMPED: Babes lost in woods again

Bangladesh, who made 331 in the first innings, have lost a record 21 Tests in a row, while it was Zimbabwe8217;s first victory in 14 games. Their last success came against the same opponents in November 2001 in Chittagong.

Former captain Khaled Mashud, batting at eight, top-scored for Bangladesh with a fighting 61, his highest Test score which included nine fours and a six. The visitors had resumed on 25 for five 8212; they had been 14 for five at one stage on Sunday after a hat-trick from fast bowler Andy Blignaut 8212; and Rajin Saleh and debutant Manjural Islam Rana batted sensibly to put on 67. But Saleh then tried to heave left-arm spinner Price over mid-wicket and was easily stumped by wicketkeeper Tatenda Taibu for 47.

Price struck again when Islam Rana top-edged a sweep to Trevor Gripper at square-leg to depart for 31.

Lunch was taken when Tapash Baisya, on two, edged Price on to his pad and into the hands of Gavin Ewing at silly mid-off. Price had taken three for 39 from 13.1 overs in the morning.

The ninth wicket fell in the third over after lunch when Mohammad Rafique smashed a return catch to Ewing, giving the off spinner his first Test wicket. No. 11 Manjural Islam and Mashud put on 46 in a last-wicket stand before Mashud was stumped off Price. Fast bowlers Heath Streak back spasm and Blignaut thigh injury did not bowl on Monday.

The second and final Test begins on Thursday in Bulawayo.

Brief Scores:

Zimbabwe 441 Ervine 86, Ewing 71, Streak 68, Ebrahim 65, Taibu 59, Carlisle 58; Rafique 4-121 and 242-8 decl. Ervine 74, Taibu 58; Bangladesh 331 Mohd Ashraful 98; Streak 4-44 and 169 Mashud 61; Price 4-61.