Sports Reporter :
Bangladesh lost to Zimbabwe by five wickets in their first One Day International (ODI) at Harare Sports Club Ground in Zimbabwe on Friday.
Chasing Bangladesh’s fighting total of 303 runs for the loss of two wickets in the allotted 50 overs, Zimbabwe reached the winning target making 307 runs for the loss of five wickets when they had 10 balls to spare.
Bangladesh made a solid start as openers Tamim Iqbal and Litton Das put on together 119 runs for the opening stand before Tamim Iqbal was caught at the short third man by Innocent Kaia off Sikanadar Raza.
Tamim Iqbal notched up a superb 62. His 88-ball innings was studded with nine fours. Tamim fulfilled his 54th ODI half-century using 79 balls with seven fours. Tamim is the first Bangladesh batter who crossed the 8000-run landmark in ODI cricket.
After dismissal of Tamim Iqbal, Litton Das and Anamul Haque contributed together 52 runs before Litton Das left the field due to injury when the tourists’ total was 171 for the loss of one wicket.
Litton Das hit a marvelous 81. His 89-ball innings was decorated with nine fours and sixer. It was Litton’s 7th half-century in ODI cricket.
After departure of Litton, Anamul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim added together 96 runs for the second wicket partnership before Anamul Haque was caught at the long-on by Tarisai Musakanda off Victor Nyauchi when Bangladesh’s score was 267 for the loss of two wickets.
Anamul Haque hit a splendid 73. His 62-ball knock saw three sixes and six fours. It was Anamul’s 4th half-century in ODI cricket.
After Anamul’s dismissal, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riyad put
on together 36 runs for the unbroken third wicket partnership before Bangladesh’s innings came to an end.
Mushfiqur Rahim remained unbeaten with 52. His 49-ball innings had five fours. It was Mushfiqur’s 42nd ODI half-century.
Mahmudullah remained unbeaten with 20 runs.
Sikandar Raza and Victor Nyauchi took one wicket each for 48 and 65 runs respectively.
Later, Sikandar Raza and Innocent Kaia played the key role for the hosts’ victory.
Sikandar Raza remained unbeaten with 135 runs. His 109-ball innings saw six sixes and eight fours.
Kaia notched up a fine 110. His 112-ball knock was ornamented with 11 fours and two sixes.
Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mosaddek Hossain took one wicket each conceding 57,57, 59 and 67 runs respectively.
