Bangladesh crush Zimbabwe riding on Zakir’s century

Zakir Hasan has been going through ups and downs in the current season of the Dhaka Premier League (DPL). He has crossed fifty in three out of eight innings, including a century. He carried this form of domestic cricket against Zimbabwe as well. Bangladesh got a flying victory with his century.

The three-match ODI series between Bangladesh Emerging Team and Zimbabwe 'A' team started at the Shahid Chandu Stadium in Bogura today (June 8). Zakir's brilliant century helped Bangladesh win by 85 runs. The hosts took a 1-0 lead in the series.

Zimbabwe 'A' team captain Roy Kaia won the toss in Bogura and decided to field. Earlier, Bangladesh's score, which was batting earlier, was 272 runs for 4 wickets in 40 overs at one stage. In the last 10 overs, the hosts, along with scoring runs, also lost wickets at regular intervals. Bangladesh scored 364 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in 50 overs after adding 92 runs. Zimbabwe's Ernest Masuku took 3 wickets for 70 runs in 10 overs.

Chasing a target of 365 runs, Zimbabwe 'A' team's two openers Innocent Kaia and Matthew Campbell put on a 60-run partnership. Innocent Kaia (26) was caught lbw by Alys Al Islam in the fourth ball of the 10th over.

The Innocent Kaia-Campbell partnership was the highest in Zimbabwe's innings. No other pair crossed 50 in the visitors' innings. Zimbabwe, who were losing wickets at regular intervals, were bundled out for 279 runs in 48.5 overs. Madhevre's innings of 116 runs off 93 balls only reduced the margin of defeat. He hit 13 fours and 3 sixes.

Abdul Ghaffar Saqlain ended Zimbabwe's innings by dismissing Madhevere in the last ball of the 49th over. Madhevere was dismissed as the last batsman of the innings at number six. Bangladesh's Rahonat Daulla Barshan and Samiun Bashir Ratul took three wickets each. Alish took two wickets. Khaled and Saqlain took one wicket each. Zakir was named the man of the match. The left-handed opener scored 119 runs off 97 balls with 9 fours and 5 sixes.

The two teams will face each other in the second ODI of the series in Bogura on the day after tomorrow. The third ODI will be held on June 13 at the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium.