Nahid’s record ODI spell can’t save Bangladesh

Zimbabwe beat Bangladesh by 25 runs in the opening ODI in Harare on Monday, overcoming a record bowling performance from Nahid Rana to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

 After being dismissed for 141, Zimbabwe bowled Bangladesh out for 116 in 33.1 overs.

Nahid returned the best bowling figures by a Bangladesh player in ODIs, taking 6 for 21 from his 10 overs.

 He broke the previous national record of 6 for 26, shared by Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and Rubel Hossain.

 Bangladesh made early inroads after captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz chose to field. Miraz ran out a Zimbabwe opener with a direct hit before Taskin Ahmed dismissed Brian Bennett and Craig Ervine in successive deliveries.

 Nahid then removed Sikandar Raza, Wessly Madhevere and Innocent Kaia as Zimbabwe slipped further.

 Richard Ngarava and Tanaka Chivanga added more than 50 runs for the ninth wicket before Nahid returned to dismiss Ngarava. Zimbabwe were all out for 141.

 Bangladesh lost Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto inside the first four overs, both to Blessing Muzarabani. Richard Ngarava then dismissed Soumya Sarkar to leave the visitors at 19 for 3.

 Towhid Hridoy and Nurul Hasan added 49 for the fourth wicket, but Bangladesh lost momentum after Hridoy was dismissed.

 Mosaddek Hossain and Miraz also fell as the visitors slipped further behind the required rate.

Nurul top-scored with 31 off 44 balls before becoming one of the last four wickets to fall. Bangladesh’s innings ended on 116, giving Zimbabwe its first victory of the series.