Imrul hits ton as Bangladesh beat Zimbabwe

A magnificent century from Imrul Kayes helped Bangladesh beat Zimbabwe by 28 runs in the first of the three-game ODI series in Dhaka on Sunday.

Imrul and all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin made 127 in the seventh wicket after the hosts had found themselves six wickets down on 139 and it was their partnsership that ensured Bangladesh put a commanding total of 271 for 8.

Imrul played his career's best innings on the day, his 144 coming off 140 balls thanks to 13 fours and 6 sixes. The opener did a cradle celebration after reaching the ton, which is his first since the birth of his son last month.

Winning the toss, Tigers skipper Mashrafe Bin Mortaza opted to bat first. Asia Cup final hero Liton Das only managed 4 while debutant Fazle Mahmud failed to open his account.

Mushfiqur Rahim added 15 and Mohammad Mithun hit 37 off 40 balls, but the fall of Mahmudullah (0) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (4) brought Zimbabwe slightly back to the game.

Imrul and Saifuddin then changed the colour of the game with that brilliant partnership.

Kyle Jarvis bagged four wickets for the visitors, three of which came courtesy of wicketkeeper Brendan Taylor's gloves, while Tendai Chatara bagged three. Taylor ended the day with five dismissals, all catches.

In their chase of 272, Zimbabwe openers Hamilton Masakadza (21) and Cephas Zhuwao (35) made a decent start, but when Mustafizur Rahman bowled the latter on 48, the visiting side lost their rhythm.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz bagged three wickets while Nazmul Islam took two to make sure Zimbabwe do not get the chance to set up big partnerships.

Kyle Jarvis (37) and top-scorer Sean Williams (50) made 67 in the ninth wicket to slash the losing margin.