Rahman’s five-for dismantles Zimbabwe

Bangladesh paceman helps team record emphatic 121-run victory in 1st ODI.

BULAWAYO: Ziaur Rahman’s maiden five-wicket haul in just his fourth One-Day International (ODI) saw Bangladesh record a comprehensive 121-run victory over Zimbabwe in the first of a three-match series in Bulawayo.

After Shafiul Islam’s strikes put Zimbabwe on the back foot early in their chase of 270, Rehman’s five for 30 snuffed out any hope of a revival as the hosts were bowled out for 148.

Although Bangladesh have a healthy record at Queens Sports Club, winning six out of eight ODIs before this encounter, the margin by which Zimbabwe lost led captain Brendan Taylor to brand the defeat a ‘shocker’.

“We were happy restricting them to 269 [for eight] on a flat wicket, but we didn’t bat well,” he said. “There’s no room for excuses. We kept finding ways to get out.”

Despite losing Regis Chakabva and Pakistan-born debutant Sikandar Raza in the opening four overs of their reply, Zimbabwe recovered through Taylor’s 33 and Hamilton Masakadza’s 38.

However, when Taylor was bowled by Abdur Razzak the floodgates soon opened, as Zimbabwe lost four wickets without adding a run to slump to 93 for seven.

Three of those dismissals were to Rehman, who returned later to find reverse swing and grab the wickets of Malcolm Waller and Tinashe Panyangara.



When Shingirai Masakadza’s spirited knock of 33 from as many deliveries was ended by Robiul Islam, Bangladesh had a handsome victory.

“We are always happy with such wins,” said captain Mushfiqur Rahim. “It was an important match because it was the series opener.”

Bangladesh were also indebted to Nasir Hossain, who continued his good form with the bat and scored a brisk 67-ball 68 to take Bangladesh to an impressive total.

The second ODI will be played tomorrow at the same venue.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 4^th, 2013.