Five-star Vitori shines on debut

Zimbabwe win first ODI by 4 wickets against Bangladesh.

HARARE: Brian Vitori claimed five wickets on his One-Day International (ODI) debut as Zimbabwe, despite a mini collapse, chased down the 185-run target in the 42nd over to take a 1-0 lead against Bangladesh.

Vitori took five for 30 as he ran through the tourists’ top-order to reduce them to 43 for five at the Harare Sports Club. A 105-run partnership instilled some respectability to the total before the Zimbabwe bowlers cleaned up the tail to bundle out Bangladesh for 184.

Zimbabwe’s reply was led by Vusi Sibanda, whose 96 ensured the hosts had no major hiccups in the run chase. Fast-bowler Rubel Hossain claimed four wickets but Bangladesh’s total was a little too less to pose a serious challenge.

Brendan Taylor, Zimbabwe captain, was pleased with the performance of his team.

“We would have loved to finish it earlier,” said Taylor after the match. “Sibanda put his head down and Vitori was brilliant upfront.”

Vitori, who became the first Zimbabwe bowler to take five wickets on ODI debut, said, “I had seen these guys in the Test so I had an idea of how and where to bowl. I was trying to mix things up and I enjoyed it.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 13^th, 2011.