Opening batsman Liton Das registered his second ODI century as Bangladesh romped to a comprehensive 169-run win over hapless Zimbabwe in the first of three matches at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium Sunday.
This is Bangladesh’s largest ODI victory by runs, with the previous best, 163-run victory, coming against Sri Lanka in 2018.
The game also saw Bangladesh ODI captain Mashrafe bin Mortaza emerge as the fifth skipper to bag 100 wickets in 50-over cricket, and reach the 700-wicket milestone in his professional career.
Liton was going strong on 126 but had to retire hurt due to the heat and humidity.
However, it did not hurt Bangladesh at all as middle-order batsman Mohammad Mithun (50) and all-rounder Saifuddin (28*) struck some lusty blows to take their side well past the 300-mark.
Earlier, batting first, Bangladesh put on 50 without loss inside 11 overs.
Saifuddin appeals successfully for the lbw decision of Regis Chakabva BCB
As it has been several times in the past, opener Tamim Iqbal took some time to settle down in the middle while Liton played the role of the aggressor, taking on the Zimbabwe bowlers from the very first over of the innings.
Tamim though made only 24 before being trapped in front.
The 19-year old spinner Wesley Madhevere struck Tamim’s pad with an off-break, following which, the left-handed batsman asked for a referral.
The review though showed that the ball was hitting the timber.
Liton however, progressed from the other end, first getting to his half century in 45 balls alongside youngster Nazmul Hossain Shanto.
Shanto, who was sharp in the middle, calling for quick singles, added 29 to the tally before being pinned in front, thus paving the way for the experienced Mushfiqur Rahim to arrive to the crease.
Bangladesh players react BCB
Liton soon reached his ton before retiring hurt due to cramp, and leaving the job at the hands of the other Bangladesh batters.
Mahmudullah added some quick runs before departing for a 28-ball 32, while Mithun hit a 41-ball 50, before Saifuddin took matters into his own hands.
The Feni lad hammered an unbeaten 15-ball 28 and cleared the rope three times with massive hits, lifting the host to an imposing total.
Bangladesh later ruled with the ball too with Saifuddin leading from the front with three wickets.
Zimbabwe were skittled out for 152 in 39.1 overs as only two batters scored more than 18 – Madhevere (35) and Tinotenda Mutombodzi (24).
Bangladesh took wickets at regular intervals as Mashrafe and spinner Mehedi Hasan Miraz bagged two scalps each to complement Saifuddin’s effort.
The second and penultimate ODI will be played at the same venue Tuesday.
1ST ODI
BANGLADESH INNINGS R B
Liton retired hurt 126 105
Tamim lbw b Madhevere 24 43
Shanto lbw b Mutombodzi 29 38
Mushfiq c Mutumbami b Tiripano 19 26
Mahmudullah lbw b Mpofu 32 28
Mithun lbw b Mpofu 50 41
Saifuddin not out 28 15
Miraz c Kamunhukamwe b Mumba 7 4
Mashrafe not out 0 0
Extras (lb 1, w 5) 6
Total (50 Overs) 321/6
Fall Of Wickets
1-60 (Tamim), 2-140 (Shanto), 3-182 (Mushfiq), 3-206* (Liton), 4-274 (Mahmudullah), 5-289 (Mithun), 6-298 (Miraz)
Bowling
Mpofu 10-0-68-2, Mumba 8-0-45-1, Madhevere 8-0-48-1, Tiripano 7-0-56-1, Raza 10-0-56-0, Mutombodzi 7-0-47-1
ZIMBABWE INNINGS R B
Kamunhukamwe b Saifuddin 1 10
Chibhabha c Mahmudullah b Mashrafe 10 22
Chakabva lbw b Saifuddin 11 18
Taylor b Taijul 8 15
Madhevere c Mashrafe b Miraz 35 44
Raza c Mahmudullah b Mustafizur 18 32
Mutumbami run out (Shanto/Mushfiq) 17 14
Mutombodzi c Saifuddin b Mashrafe 24 47
Tiripano c & b Miraz 2 13
Mumba b Saifuddin 13 12
Mpofu not out 9 8
Extras (lb 1, w 3) 4
Total (39.1 Overs) 152 all out
Fall Of Wickets
1-1 (Kamunhukamwe), 2-23 (Chakabva), 3-23 (Chibhabha), 4-44 (Taylor), 5-79 (Raza), 6-84 (Madhevere), 7-106 (Mutumbami), 8-109 (Tiripano), 9-130 (Mumba), 10-152 (Mutombodzi)
Bowling
Mustafizur 6-0-22-1, Saifuddin 7-0-22-3, Mashrafe 6.1-0-35-2, Taijul 9-2-27-1, Miraz 8-1-33-2, Mahmudullah 3-0-12-0
Bangladesh won by 169 runs, take 1-0 lead in 3-ODI series
MoM: Liton Das
