Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan steered Bangladesh to a 145-run victory over Zimbabwe in the first one-day international (ODI) at Mirpur on Saturday.Following Mushfiq’s 4th ODI century, Shakib tore apart the visitors’ top order, eventually recording his maiden five-wicket haul in ODI.Test captain Mushfiq, well supported by a half century from Sabbir Rahman, led the Bangladesh innings and set a 274-run target for the visitors.Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura tried to fight to the last and he did so when he got out as the last batsman. Bangladesh earned a 145-run victory as the last Zimbabwean batsman Mutumbami was unable to bat due to injury.Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza captured two wickets in the middle.However, the beginning of the match did not show signs of victory for Bangladesh as Zimbabwe won the toss and sent the Tigers in to bat first.And the home side entered into a deep trouble when they lost four wickets including that of Shakib within 124 runs and playing majority (27.5) of the 50 overs.Then, the century partnership between Mushfiq and Sabbir salvaged not only Bangladesh’s pride but also created the platform for a reasonably fighting total.The victory that ensured a 1-0 lead in the three-match series is considered an encouraging start, after the Tigers’ series win over mighty South Africa, India and Pakistan at home in recent times.This ODI series will also be a deciding factor for both the sides as eight top-ranking sides in ICC ranking over next 23 months, plus England, will progress to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.
source:Prothom Alo
