Bangladesh began their Twenty20 series against Zimbabwe with a hard-fought four-wicket win at the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium in Khulna.
Shakib Al Hasan’s unbeaten 20 steered the Tigers home after Sabbir Rahman’s 46 from 36 balls kick-started a pursuit of 163 for seven.
Zimbabwe had been on course for more as Hamilton Masakadza found his range, scoring 79 from 53 balls, after combining in a century opening stand with Vusi Sibanda.
The tourists’ innings fell away in the closing overs, however, when Masakadza became the second run-out victim of the innings as Zimbabwe lost four for 13.
Bangladesh were always on the edge in their pursuit and needed 29 from 19 balls when Mahmudullah was sixth man out, bowled by Luke Jongwe.
That brought debutant wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan to the crease but Shakib took control of the chase, completing it with eight balls in hand.
The second game of the four-match series is in Khulna on Sunday.
Source: ECB