Tigers restrict Zimbabwe to 170

A Sikandar Raza half century helped Zimbabwe manage 170 in front of a controlled Bangladesh bowling in the first game of the tri-nation series on Monday.

The hosts bowlers had an excellent day, led by Shakib Al Hasan who bagged three wickets while Mustafizur Rahman and Rubel Hossain bagged two wickets each.

Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Bin Mortaza opted to field first winning the toss at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, and Shakib’s first over only vindicated his captain’s decision.

He first got opener Solomon Mire stumped thanks to some good work from wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim and then Sabbir Rahman took a catch to dismiss Craig Ervine to leave Zimbabwe 2/2 with just three balls bowled in the game.

Hamilton Masakadza and Brendan Taylor then added 28, but Mashrafe removed the former to pile more misery on Zimbabwe and Mustafiz got ride of Taylor (24) to foil another attempt of a fightback.

Sikandar Raza's 52 off 99 balls, made with two fours and two sixes, and Peter Moor's 33 salvaged some pride for the Zimbabweans, but chasing 171 should be a piece of cake for the hosts.