Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto led from the front with a gritty half-century as Bangladesh ended a rain-hit third day of the Sylhet Test against Zimbabwe with a 112-run lead and six wickets in hand.

After a delayed start due to rain and an early close because of bad light, Bangladesh reached 194 for 4 in 57 overs in their second innings, turning a first-innings deficit into a strong position heading into Day 4.

Shanto remained unbeaten on 60 off 103 balls, including seven boundaries, while wicketkeeper-batter Jaker Ali offered solid support with an unbeaten 21 off 60 deliveries. Their unbroken 39-run partnership helped Bangladesh recover from a mini-collapse earlier in the day.

Resuming on their overnight score of 57 for 1, the hosts lost Mahmudul Hasan Joy (33), Mominul Haque (47), and veteran Mushfiqur Rahim (4) in relatively quick succession. Despite getting starts, the top order failed to convert, as Zimbabwe’s pace attack kept the pressure on in difficult batting conditions.

Blessing Muzarabani remained Zimbabwe’s most effective bowler, claiming one more wicket on Day 3 to take his match tally to three. Victor Nyauchi picked up the other wicket to fall during the day’s play.

Persistent rain delayed the start by over three hours, and only 44 overs were bowled before poor light forced an early close.

Earlier in the match, Zimbabwe posted 273 in their first innings in reply to Bangladesh’s 191.