Mushfiq ton, Shakib’s 5 for lead 145-run win

Bangladesh Tigers rode on Mushfiqur Rahim’s ton and maiden five wicket haul for Shakib Al Hasan to secure a huge 145-run win against Zimbabwe in the first of the three-match series at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today.

After winning the toss Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura decided to bowl first. They managed to pick up some early wickets to put the hosts under pressure.

However, sensible batting from Mushfiqur Rahim, Sabbir Rahman and opener Tamim Iqbal led the Tigers to post a competitive target of 274 in their stipulated 50 overs.

Mushfiqur Rahim's century sent Bangladesh on their way to 273 for 9 against Zimbabwe in the first ODI in Mirpur. Photo: AFP

Mushfiq played a brilliant 107-run knock, while Sabbir picked up his career best 57 quickly. Tamim’s 40-run knock also played vital role at the beginning.

In their chase, the visiting side lost wickets at regular interval before being all-out putting just 128 runs to the scoreboard in 36.1 overs. Zimbabwe’s wicketkeeper Richmond Mutumbami remained absent hurt following an ankle injury received during their fielding.

Shakib Al Hasan created early inroads during Zimbabwe's chase. Photo: AFP

For the Tigers, ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan picked up his maiden five wicket haul, skipper Mashrafe Mortaza bagged two wickets, while Al-Amin Hossain and Nasir Hossain picked up one wicket each.

Zimbabwe skipper Elton Chigumbura’s 41 and Luke Jongwe’s 39 are two of the three double digit scores for the visitors.

Luke Jongwe attempts an upper cut during his innings of 39. Photo: AP

Mushfiqur Rahim was named man of the match for his brilliant century.

The visitors’ arrival here following the postponement of Australia's scheduled tour last month due to security concerns has brought a wave of relief among the cricket fans, who will be excited to see the Tigers further widen the gap against their once-nearest rivals.

Bangladesh Squad

Mashrafe Mortaza*, Al-Amin Hossain, Arafat Sunny, Imrul Kayes, Jubair Hossain, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Liton Das, Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim†, Mustafizur Rahman, Nasir Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal.

Zimbabwe Squad

E Chigumbura*, RW Chakabva†, CJ Chibhabha, TS Chisoro, AG Cremer, CR Ervine, LM Jongwe, N Madziva, WP Masakadza, R Mutumbami†, T Muzarabani, J Nyumbu, T Panyangara, Sikandar Raza, MN Waller and SC Williams.