Mehidy Hasan Miraz led from the front with a determined unbeaten 76 as Bangladesh stretched its lead to 177 at lunch on Day 3 of the second and final Test against Zimbabwe at the Bir Shrestha Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram.

Starting the day at 191-7 with a 64-run lead, Miraz`s composed innings guided Bangladesh to 404-8 by lunch, adding 113 crucial runs in the morning session. He was well-supported by debutant Tanzim Hasan Sakib, who remained unbeaten on 29, and Taijul Islam, who contributed a gritty 20.

Miraz and Taijul combined for a valuable 63-run stand, frustrating Zimbabwe`s bowlers early in the session. Leg-spinner Vincent Masekesa eventually broke the partnership, deceiving Taijul with flight. However, Tanzim picked up the baton, counterattacking with flair to keep the scoreboard ticking, BSS reports.

Miraz reached his 10th Test fifty — and first in nine innings — in style, bringing up the milestone with a single off Wellington Masakadza. With a near-flawless knock so far, he now eyes a long-awaited century, his first since 2021.

Their ninth-wicket stand has grown to 62 runs, firmly putting Bangladesh in control and strengthening their hopes of avoiding a series whitewash after losing the first Test in Sylhet by three wickets.