Opener Innocent Kaia struck his maiden Test century as Zimbabwe tightened their grip on the one-off Test against Bangladesh, took their first-innings lead to 270 runs on the second day at Harare Sports Club today.
Replying to Bangladesh's first-innings total of 140, Zimbabwe scored 410/10, with Wessly Madhevere unbeaten on 77.
Taijul Islam picked up 7 wickets while Khaled Ahmed took 2.
The day began on a promising note for Bangladesh when pacer Syed Khaled Ahmed dismissed overnight batter Brendan Taylor for 17 in the fourth over, reducing Zimbabwe to 149-2.
However, Kaia and Brian Bennett combined to frustrate the visitors with a 107-run partnership for the third wicket, putting Zimbabwe firmly in command.
Bennett fell for an aggressive 59 off 67 balls, hitting nine boundaries before left-arm spinner Taijul Islam broke the stand.
Taijul struck another crucial blow a few overs later by dismissing Kaia for a superb 140 off 227 deliveries. Kaia's maiden Test century featured 17 boundaries and laid the foundation for Zimbabwe's commanding position.
Bangladesh briefly sensed an opportunity when Tafadzwa Tsiga was run out for one just two balls after Kaia's dismissal, leaving Zimbabwe at 280-5.
But Craig Ervine and Madhevere denied the visitors any further success, batting with unwavering resolve to steer Zimbabwe past the 350-run mark and extend the lead beyond 200.
Bangladesh now face an uphill battle to stay in the contest.