Chittagong, Bangladesh: Openers Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kays batted steadily as Bangladesh reached 91 without loss at lunch Wednesday on the opening day of the third cricket test against Zimbabwe.
Iqbal was unbeaten on 44 and Kayes was not out 41 at the interval after Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim, chasing a series sweep, won the toss and elected to bat in favorable conditions.
Zimbabwe bowlers toiled hard on the unforgiving pitch but failed to make any breakthroughs.
The only chance came when Kayes, when on 15, was dropped at square leg after lofting legspinner Natsai M'Shangwe to the fielder.
Iqbal, who scored a century in the second test, struck seven boundaries. Kayes, who replaced Shamsur Rahman in the Bangladesh lineup, hit four boundaries.
Bangladesh is aiming for sweep the three-test series after winning the first two matches.