Bangladesh left-arm spinner Taijul Islam has urged his batting unit to take confidence from the improving pitch in Harare as they look to fight their way back into the one-off Test against Zimbabwe on the third day.

Innocent Kaia's maiden Test century put Zimbabwe firmly in control of the one-off Test on the second day at Harare Sports Club on Monday (June 29), despite Taijul Islam returning a record-equalling seven-wicket haul. Taijul's 19th five-wicket haul in Tests saw him draw level with Shakib Al Hasan for the most five-fors by a Bangladeshi in the format.

Zimbabwe built a commanding first-innings total of 410, thanks to Kaia's composed 140 and valuable contributions from Brian Bennett (59), Craig Ervine (60) and Wessly Madhevere (77). Holding a first-innings lead of 270 after Bangladesh were dismissed for 140, the hosts left the visitors with a mountain to climb. Bangladesh reached 40 for 1 by stumps in their second innings, still trailing by 230 runs with nine wickets in hand.

While the surface appeared challenging on the opening day, batting conditions eased considerably on the second, and Taijul believes it could continue to improve as the match progresses. "I think it's exciting, yesterday the first day wicket was difficult, but today it was a bit of a good wicket, and day by day the wicket is becoming good. And if our batsmen put on good partnerships then we would have a good score," Taijul told reporters after the day's play.

"I think everyone is in a positive frame of mind and our focus is on a good partnership and score and if we can put on a good score then the game will be on our side," he said. "Definitely (there is a possibility of a big score) because the ball jumped a bit yesterday, balls closer to the body also jumped but today the wicket was good.

"I hope our batsmen put on good partnerships tomorrow as well as the day after tomorrow," he said. "I think we'll keep fighting."

Taijul, who finished with figures of 7 for 138, said discipline remained the cornerstone of his success, regardless of conditions.

"In every condition, bowling is about discipline, at any time if a bowler is disciplined success will come," said Taijul. "I always try to be disciplined and bowl good line and length, try to bowl differently to different batsmen, what shots they like to play and dislike, that's what I try to follow."

The left-arm spinner also insisted that his excellent record against Zimbabwe does not give him any added motivation. "Not only Zimbabwe, every team I play against I am motivated to bowl in good areas, and do disciplined bowling, that's it," he concluded.