Lost three wickets more than what we desired: Shadman Islam

Shadman Islam believes Bangladesh are in a good position in the Chattogram Test, though he admits it could have been better, with the hosts ending the second day 64 runs ahead with three wickets in hand.

Bangladesh were cruising on the back of a 118-run opening stand between Shadman (120) and Anamul Haque (39), the team's first century opening partnership in 33 innings. The hosts reached 205 for 3 at Tea, but the visitors fought back in the final session. Debutant leg-spinner Vincent Masekesa picked up three wickets, while Wessly Madhevere's direct hit ran out Mushfiqur Rahim, as Bangladesh closed the day on 279 for 7.

"We were in a good position but we collapsed suddenly. We could've set a better score otherwise," Shadman told reporters in Chattogram. "I could have played for a longer time in the middle. I think we were also in a good position but we lost our way a little bit. I think we lost three wickets more than what we desired. Otherwise we would already be in a 100-run lead," he said.

"We still have Miraz and Taijul bhai around, so hopefully they can add a few more runs to extend our lead to maybe around hundred runs tomorrow," he added.

Shadman felt that Anamul Haque, making a comeback after three years, did well in the middle, even if he appeared to struggle at times. "He (Anamul) is a very experienced cricketer. He is always scoring runs. He provided a good start today. He was looking good, but he was unfortunate to get out," said Shadman.

Talking about his second Test ton, Shadman added that he hasn't changed much about his batting, and simply focused on following his process. "I didn't change anything (as an opener). We stuck to our plans. I play according to the merit of the ball. I don't really go out with a lot of plans in my mind. I try to hit boundaries whenever the opportunities come," he said.

Meanwhile, debutant leg-spinner Vincent Masekesa said that despite the hosts taking a lead, his side was still very much in the game.

"They're playing well, no doubt. But we're still very much in this game. We'll fight hard to keep things under control tomorrow," he said.

Masekesa, who made an impressive debut with three wickets so far, added that he drew inspiration from some of the game's finest leg-spinners, and noted that the surface was offering help as the day progressed. "I am always a big fan of leg-spinners. Shane Warne obviously and most of the Zimbabwe leg-spinners and growing up Graeme Cremer was there," he said.

"I also look up to Adil Rashid from England, [Yuzvendra] Chahal from India... [Adam] Zampa from Australia. Even Rishad from Bangladesh.

"Honestly, I wasn't expecting that [first wicket] at that exact moment but it meant a lot. Representing Zimbabwe in Test cricket is a big opportunity, and I was really happy.

"Later in the day, the wicket tends to offer more help for spinners but it's also about putting the ball in the right areas and letting the pitch do the work," he said.