Record opening stand puts Bangladesh on top on Day 1

The 224-run opening partnership was only the fourth 200-plus partnership for any wicket by Bangladesh in test cricket.

Iqbal, who hit the slowest ever century for Bangladesh in the last test, this time needed just 150 balls to reach triple figures. His sixth test century equaled Mohammad Ashraful’s national record. He plundered 14 boundaries and a six before raising his century by clipping fast bowler Shingi Masakadza toward square leg for a single. He was the first to go to give Zimbabwe some relief, miscuing a shot off Raza. Hamilton Masakadza flung to his left at long-on to hold a brilliant catch.

Unlike Iqbal, Kayes’ innings was not chanceless. He was dropped on 15, 41 and 98 on the way to his second test century in his 19th test. Kayes hit nine boundaries and cleared the rope twice en route to his century off 191 balls. Overall, he clobbered a dozen boundaries and two sixes.

Brief scores: Bangladesh 303 for 2 in 90 ovs (I Kayes 130, T Iqbal 109; S Raza 1/74)