Zimbabwe edge past Bangladesh in low-scoring ODI series opener

HARARE: Newman Nyamhuri backed his gutsy 33-run knock with two wickets and helped Zimbabwe beat Bangladesh by 25 runs in the low-scoring first ODI of the three-match home series here at the Harare Sports Club on Monday.

Put into bat first, the home side could accumulate 141 before getting bowled out in 36.4 overs as Bangladesh pacer Nahid Rana dismantled their batting unit with a six-wicket haul for which he gave away just 21 runs in his 10 overs.

Rana was supported by fellow pacer Taskin Ahmed, who bagged two wickets for 32 runs in his seven overs, while captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz chipped in with one.

Nyamhuri remained the top-scorer for Zimbabwe with a sensible 33 off 51 deliveries with the help of five fours. He also shared a crucial 63-run partnership for the ninth wicket with captain Richard Ngarava, who contributed with a 41-ball 27.

Besides them, only top-order batters Innocent Kaia (26), Ben Curran (18) and Brian Bennett (17) could amass double figures as the home side succumbed to a below-par total in the ODI series opener.

Set to chase a modest 142-run target, Bangladesh could muster 116 all out in 33.1 overs and thus suffered a gruelling defeat, which gave Zimbabwe a 1-0 lead in the series, whose second fixture is scheduled to be played at the same venue on Thursday.

Wicketkeeper batter Nurul Hasan, who walked out to bat in the fifth over with the scoreboard reading 17/3, waged a lone battle for the visitors with a valiant 31 off 44 deliveries, comprising three fours and a six, and finished as their top-scorer.

Besides him, fellow middle-order batter Towhid Hridoy (25) and skipper Miraz (10) could amass double figures against the Zimbabwean bowling attack, co-led by captain Ngarava and Brad Evans, who took three wickets each.

Their efforts were backed by Blessing Muzarabani and Nyamhuri, who bagged two wickets each, and the latter was thus adjudged the Player of the Match for his all-round exploits.