I think this method works for any race/class at this point. As long as your Tav has 17 Str, and Athletics Proficiency, this should work. You also want your Tav to have really low initiative, so they can shove, and force Zhalk to move. If your Tav takes their turn after the Mind Flayer, but before Zhalk, you can basically get a free attack on him every round. Also, yeeting the Lesser Imp on to the higher level is a new tactic that basically ensures that it will remain alive, and keep the Mind Flayer friendly until the end of the fight.