Bangladesh continued their domination over Zimbabwe and took a giant stride in winning the second Test, leaving the visitors a record chase on day four at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium yesterday.

As the bad light brought a premature end to the day, Zimbabwe were 76 for two, in pursuit of an improbable target of 443 runs-- a Herculean task, given the highest successful chase in fourth innings in the cricket history is 418. The tourists still require 367 runs or to survive a full day to win its first ever Test series victory since 2011.

Bangladesh stand-in skipper Mahmudullah Riyad was instrumental in throwing a stiff challenge to Zimbabwe, hitting his second century and first after eight years as the hosts declared the second innings on 224 for six. Mahmudullah who completed his century in the last ball before the tea session was not out on 101 and shared two important partnerships to take the side on the verge of winning the Test and draw the series. Bangladesh lost the first Test by 151 runs.

Despite a lead of 218 runs, dismissing Zimbabwe for 304 in their first innings on day three, Bangladesh decided not to enforce follow-on.

But Zimbabwe fast bowlers Kyle Jarvis (2-27) and Donald Tiripano (2-31) rocked the top order in a sensational fast bowling to leave the hosts at precarious 25-4.

Jarvis swung the ball in admirable fashion to remove both openers Imrul Kayes (3) and Liton Das (9) in three deliveries in the fifth over of the day.

Tiripano who shared the new ball in absence of injured Tendai Chatara was equally impressive and Mominul Haque (1) and Mushfiqur Rahim (7), the centurion and the double centurion of the first innings, perished to loose shots.

With Zimbabwe raising the hopes to hit back to the game, Mithun and Mahmudullah resisted further damage to keep the side on course of a sizeable lead.

The duo combined for a 118-run partnership for the fifth wicket to restore the dominance.

Offspinner Sikandar Raza removed Mithun for 67, his maiden fifty in his maiden Test following 0 in the first innings.

Left-arm spinner Sean Williams dismissed Ariful Haque (4) cheaply but Mahmudullah and Mehidy Hasan Miraj (27 not out) shared 73 off 70 balls in an unbroken seventh wicket partnership to set an improbable target for the visitors.

Zimbabwe’s highest successful chase in the fourth innings is 162 against Pakistan at Peshawar in 1998. The tourists made a decent start with skipper Hamilton Masakadza and Brian Chari sharing 68 runs.

Offspinner Mehidy Hasan (1-16) gave Bangladesh the first breakthrough after Masakadza spooned a catch at short-leg for 25. Two overs later left-arm spinner Taijul Islam (1-34) dismissed well-set Brian Chari (43) who tried to paddle sweep against a turning delivery. Chari reviewed in vain.

Brendan Taylor (4) and Sean Williams (2) were batting before the fourth day’s game came to an end.

West Indies’ 418 against Australia remains the highest successful chase in the fourth innings. Bangladesh declared their first innings of 522 for seven, riding on Mushfiqur Rahim’s career best 219 not out and Mominul Haque’s 161.