Cricket: Zimbabwe dominate on return to Tests

Masakadza was 88 not out as Zimbabwe went to stumps at Harare Sports Club on a commanding 264-2. Sibanda was out for 78, his first Test half century.

Zimbabwe's top order batsmen combined for partnerships of 102, 60 and 102 to take early control in its first Test in six years after being put in to bat by Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan. "I think the guys showed a lot of maturity," Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor said.

"But listen, it's still four days to go and a lot of cricket to be played. We just need to come back tomorrow and make it difficult for them to come back in the game."

Zimbabwe had been expected to struggle on their Test return after such a long absence. Criticism of the board this week from former captain Tatenda Taibu - who is in the team - had also threatened to overshadow the match. But there was no sign of unrest in the camp and inexperienced openers Sibanda and Tino Mawoyo (43) began with a solid century opening stand.

Masakadza then attacked from No 3 to give Zimbabwe a promising second start in the five-day format.

The one-off Test is Zimbabwe's first since 2005, when a fallout between senior players and administrators led to an exodus of their top cricketers and the self-imposed exile.

lFormer England all-rounder Allan Watkins has died, his former county Glamorgan have confirmed.

Watkins passed away yesterday following a short illness aged 89, and will be remembered for being the first Glamorgan player to score a Test century.

He made the first of his 15 Test appearances in the final match of the 1948 Ashes series at the Oval - the game also marking Sir Donald Bradman's farewell to the international game.

He scored his century against South Africa in 1949, posting a total of 111 in Johannesburg, and went on to name his house Ellis Park in memory of the venue where he did it.

He made 407 appearances for Glamorgan, scoring 17,419 runs and taking 774 wickets.