The New Nation - Internet Edition

Sports Reporter

Zimbabwe upset Bangladesh in the Grameenphone Tri-Nation Cricket Tournament when the tourists defeated the hosts by 38 runs in their opening match at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Saturday.

Chasing Zimbabwe's moderate total of 205 for the loss of nine wickets off 50 overs, Bangladesh were bowled out for 167 in 46.2 overs.

Bangladesh faced debacle in the early stage as the hosts lost their early four wickets for just 33 runs.

Later, in-form Shakib Al Hasan and Raqibul Hasan tried to resist Zimbabwe's tight bowling attack contributing together 59 runs in the fifth-wicket stand before Raqibul Hasan was clean bowled by Keith Dabengwa making 23 when the team's total was 92 for the loss of five wickets.

Earlier, Mohammad Ashraful was dismissed for 18 runs. He tried to strike the delivery of Prosper Utseya but he was caught at the long-on by Vusimuzi Sibanda when the scoreboard was giving a reading of 33 for the loss of four wickets.

Prosper Utseya gave his team early breakthrough as he trapped the opener Zunaed Siddiq lbw for a duck.

One down batsman Mushfiqur Rahim was clean bowled by Edward Rainsford for nought.

Tamim Iqbal, the other opening batsman was unfortunately run out scoring 13.

Shakib Al Hasan shone with the willow scoring the team's highest of 52 off 66 balls. He hit three fours before he was caught behind by wicketkeeper Tatenda Taibu off Elton Chigumbura. At that time Bangladesh's score was 126 for the loss of seven wickets.

After dismissal of Shakib, rest of the Bangladesh batsmen failed to face Zimbabwe bowling attack. Mahbubul Alam and Naeem Islam added 22 and 21 runs respectively to the Bangladesh total.

Prosper Utseya and Raymond Price chipped in with two wickets each for 22 and 35 runs respectively.

Earlier, Elton Chigumbura notched up a sparkling 64 playing 95 deliveries. He cracked five fours and a sixer before he was run out by Mushfiqur Rahim.

Elton Chigumbura was adjudged the Man of the Match for his outstanding performance.

Stuart Matsikenyeri was the other notable scorer for the visitors. He hit 39 off 51 balls amid six fours.

Spinners Shakib Al Hasan and Naeem Islam grabbed three wickets each giving away 23 and 32 runs respectively while Mashrafe Bin Mortaza got two wickets conceding 41 runs.