Zimbabwe beat Bangladesh in thrilling tie

Zimbabwe recorded a thrilling nine-run victory over Bangladesh in the first match of a five-game limited-overs international series in Mirpur on Wednesday. Shakib-Al-Hasan top-scored for the hosts with 63, but four run-outs and brilliant bowling from Christopher Mpofu (3/25 off nine overs) sealed their fate.

Earlier, Bangladesh all-rounder Abdur Razzak claimed four wickets in Mirpur on Wednesday to dismiss Zimbabwe for 209. Zimbabwe started well, reaching 53 without loss before Razzak bowled Chamu Chibhabha for 24. Razzak also dismissed opener Brendan Taylor (27), who was stumped by Mushfiqur Rahim, and removed Elton Chigumbura (7) and Keith Dabengwa (8).

R.W. Chakabva top scored for Zimbabwe with 45 before he was caught and bowled out by Mahmudullah in the 40th over. Mahmudullah and Suhrawardi Shuvo took two wickets apiece to finish off Zimbabwe’s innings in the 49th over. Shuvo picked up Tatenda Taibu (14), caught by Zunaed Siddique, and Keegan Meth (3), stumped by Rahim.

Craig Ervine (41) was caught by Mohammad Ashraful off an Al Hasan delivery. Chris Mpofu, the last man to go, was run out by Rahim off a throw from a Mashrafe bin Mortaza.

Teams Lineups

Bangladesh: Imrul Kayes, Tamim Iqbal, Junaid Siddique, Mohammad Ashraful, Shakib Al Hasan (capt), Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mashrafe Mortaza, Abdur Razzak, Shafiul Islam, Suhrawadi Shuvo

Zimbabwe: BRM Taylor, CJ Chibhabha, RW Chakabva, E Chigumbura (capt), T Taibu (wk), CR Ervine, KM Dabengwa, KO Meth, P Utseya, RW Price, CB Mpofu. Supersport.com