Ervine's hopes of a first Test century were ended by Baisya

Consistent batting by the Zimbabwe middle order put them in command on day two of the first Test against Bangladesh in Harare.

Sean Ervine (86) and Gavin Ewing (71) achieved their best Test scores as the home side totalled 441.

They received good support from Tatenda Taibu (59) and Heath Streak (68), while spinner Mohammad Rafique took 4-121 for Bangladesh.

The tourists lost Hannan Sarkar in reaching 14-1 at close of play.

The morning session beloned to Zimbabwe, who added 133 runs for the loss of Taibu, who was lbw offering no stroke to a ball from Rafique after a fifth wicket stand of 125 with Ervine.

Normally a free-scoring player, Ervine batted for over four hours with tremendous self-discipline, hitting 11 fours before he was caught at second slip off seam bowler Tapash Baisya shortly after lunch.

Andy Blignaut was stumped off Rafique soon afterwards, but skipper Streak found a capable partner in 23-year-old Ewing.

They added 106 before Streak was caught behind by Khaled Mashud off medium-pacer Mushfiqur Rahman.

By the end of day three, I think Bangladesh will have lost six or more wickets From Rediff Have your say on TMS

The same combination also accounted for Ewing, who hit a six and seven fours, before Rahman polished off the innings with the wicket of Ray Price to finish with figures of 3-75.

Bangladesh were left with 15 overs to face before the close, but the last ball of the third accounted for Sarkar, who was lbw to Streak for four.

Only one more delivery was bowled before bad light ended proceedings, with Shahriar Hossain eight not out and
night-watchman Baisya yet to score.

Zimbabwe: Heath Streak (captain), Andy Blignaut, Stuart Carlisle, Dion Ebrahim, Sean Ervine, Gavin Ewing, Grant Flower, Douglas Hondo, Raymond Price, Tatenda Taibu.

Bangladesh: Habibul Bashar (captain), Mohammad Ashraful, Tapash Baisya, Shahriar Hossain, Manjural Islam, Khaled Mashud, Mohammad Rafique, Mushfiqur Rahman, Rajin Saleh, Hannan Sarkar, Manjural Islam Rana.