Tamim boost big win for Bangladesh against Zimbabwe by 8 wicket

An unbeaten 84 from Tamim Iqbal and an all-round performance by Shakib Al Hasan helped Bangladesh seal an easy eight-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the first game of the tri-nation series on Monday.

Chasing 171, Tamim and Shakib made 78 in the second wicket to pave the way for the win, but Tamim might feel dejected looking at the lowly Zimbabwe total, which has probably denied him another ODI century.

Tamim's 93-ball innings was studded with eight fours and a six while Shakib made 37 off 46 balls, courtesy of five fours, before falling victim to Sikandar Raza.

Raza had also removed Anamul Haque (19), back in the fold for the first time since the 2015 World Cup.

Earlier, a Raza half century helped Zimbabwe manage a decent total of 170 in front of a controlled Bangladesh bowling.

The hosts bowlers had an excellent day, led by Shakib Al Hasan who bagged three wickets while Mustafizur Rahman and Rubel Hossain bagged two wickets each.

Mashrafe opted to field first winning the toss at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, and Shakib’s first over only vindicated his captain’s decision.

He first got opener Solomon Mire stumped thanks to some good work from wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim and then Sabbir Rahman took a catch to dismiss Craig Ervine to leave Zimbabwe 2/2 with just three balls bowled in the game.

Hamilton Masakadza and Brendan Taylor then added 28, but Mashrafe removed the former to pile more misery on Zimbabwe and Mustafiz got ride of Taylor (24) to foil another attempt of a fightback.

Amid regular fall of wickets, Raza's 52 off 99 balls, made with two fours and two sixes, and Peter Moor's 33 salvaged some pride for the Zimbabweans.

The losing side play their next game against Sri Lanka on Wednesday, while the hosts play their South Asian rivals two days later.

Source: Prothom Alo