Shakib Al Hasan struck his sixth century to help Bangladesh reach a strong 281-7 against Zimbabwe in the opening one-day international (ODI) of the five-match series on Friday.
After being sent into bat by Zimbabwe, Shakib scored 101 and featured in a national record 148-run partnership with Mushfiqur Rahim for the fifth wicket. Rahim contributed 65.
Debutant Sabbir Rahman made a fluent 44, and Mominul Haque 31.
Bangladesh began with a meagre 31-3, Zimbabwe capitalizing on the local batsmen’s wayward shot selection.
Tamim Iqbal, coming off a successful test series, was dismissed for 8 after attempting to cut hard a Tinashe Panyagara delivery that had little width.
The rush shots also cost Anamul Haque (12) and Mahmudullah (1), until Shakib joined Mominul Haque to settle things.
Mominul Haque played a wretched shot to be out for 31 at 70-4, then Shakib and Mushfiqur Rahim took the match out of Zimbabwe’s grip by playing some bold shots.
The tourists also did not help their cause by missing Rahim three times.
With Rahim on 16, Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura missed an easy catch at short cover off John Nyumbu. On 56, Chigumbura’s delivery was called no ball, and on 60, Brendan Taylor put down another catch at point off Tendai Chatara.
Rahim then brimmed with confidence, and gave Shakib support to frustrate Zimbabwe bowler for the next two hours.
Shakib’s knock was chanceless. He played with audacity to reach his sixth hundred off just 95 balls.
Rahim, for his 17th fifty in ODIs, hit two fours and as many sixes before being finally out on 65 off 72.
Rahman’s late flourish helped Bangladesh add 52 runs in the last five overs.
Rahman hit the last two balls across the rope, among three sixes and three fours overall.
Fast bowler Panyangara claimed 3-66 while new-ball partner Chatara ended with 2-48. Nyumbu and Tafadzwa Kamungozi picked up one wicket apiece.
