NASIR Hossain and Mahmudullah eased Bangladesh to their first victory of the Twenty20 tri-series following a comfortable six-wicket win over Zimbabwe in Harare yesterday.
The duo put on an unbeaten partnership of 54 for the fifth wicket to ensure Bangladesh eased past Zimbabwe’s 149 for eight and brush off the disappointment of losing their opening two matches – to Brendan Taylor’s men and South Africa respectively. Zimbabwe were looking to capitalise on Wednesday’s shock victory over South Africa and opted to bat first.
Hamilton Masakadza had struck a century and two fifties in his last three innings and continued that form yesterday, striking five fours and a six in his 56.
However, at 125 for three after 16 overs, Zimbabwe lost five wickets for the addition of just 24 runs in the final four overs, with Mashrafe Mortaza taking two wickets – including the prized scalp of Masakadza – to give the Tigers hope.
It looked like it might go right to the wire when Bangladesh were reduced to 99 for four in the 14th over after captain Mushfiqur Rahim was the second man to be run-out having made 31.
But Hossain kept the scoreboard ticking over, and although his only three fours came in the same over off Chris Mpofu, he still made an acceptable 41 not out off 31 balls, while Mahmudullah plundered as many boundaries and one maximum in his unbeaten 29 off just 14 balls to see Bangladesh home with 15 balls to spare.