Courtesy of Shadman Islam's second Test century, Bangladesh yesterday found themselves in a promising position on day two of the second and final Test against Zimbabwe. However, a flurry of wickets in the final session has cast doubt on their chances of securing a significant first-innings lead in Chattogram.

The Tigers closed the day on 291 for seven, leading by only 64 runs, having lost their grip on a match they once looked to be dominating.

Resuming the day's proceedings, after Taijul Islam wrapped up Zimbabwe's first innings by taking his sixth wicket off the very first ball of the day, the home side looked to mean business.

The new opening pair of Shadman and Anamul Haque Bijoy composed a much-needed 118-run opening stand -- Bangladesh's first century opening stand in 16 Tests following Najmul Shanto and Zakir Hasan's 124-run partnership against India in Chattogram over two years ago.

Anamul eventually departed for 39, but Shadman found another able partner in Mominul Haque. The duo added 76 runs for the second wicket without much trouble, further strengthening the hosts' position.

Shadman went on to reach his century, off 142 balls as he dispatched Richard Ngarva delivery with a classy cover drive for a boundary. His innings served as both a comeback from his poor outing in Sylhet and a notable team milestone as well, giving Bangladesh their first Test hundred from an opener in 28 months.

However, a lapse in concentration at the stroke of Tea saw both batters depart in quick succession -- first Mominul for 33, then Shadman on the very next ball after reaching career-high 120 runs.

The sudden double blow brought captain Shanto and a vastly experienced Mushfiqur Rahim to the crease, and while they managed to regroup, the momentum shift was also a sign of things to come.

Mushfiqur and Shanto stitched together a 65-run stand for the fourth wicket, frustrating the visitors and reviving hopes of a commanding lead. But the final session proved costly. What seemed a solid foundation quickly crumbled as Bangladesh lost four wickets for just 20 runs.

Shanto's dismissal triggered the slide, gifting a simple catch to mid-wicket off debutant leg-spinner Vincent Masekesa, who soon grabbed his maiden Test wicket. Masekesa struck again to remove Jaker Ali, while Mushfiqur, looking steady on 40, was run out trying to sneak a needless single. Masekesa capped off the session by removing Nayeem Hasan, leaving the visitors firmly back in the game.

Reflecting on the day, Shadman admitted the collapse hurt their momentum, saying, "we were in a good position but suddenly we witnessed a collapse," while remaining hopeful with Mehedi Hasan Miraz at the crease and that "a good partnership" is still possible to regain control.