The New Nation - Internet Edition

Sports Reporter

An unprecedented 73 (not out) by Naeem Islam guided Bangladesh to earn a thrilling one-wicket win over Zimbabwe in their fifth and final ODI at the Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on Thursday.

By virtue of yesterday's victory, Bangladesh clinched the five-match Grameenphone ODI Series by 4-1.

Naeem Islam played 90 deliveries in his unconquered 103-minute innings, which was ornamented with four sixers and four fours. It was Naeem's maiden ODI half century in his career so far. Naeem fulfilled his half century using 80 deliveries amid three fours and three sixes and was adjudged Man of the Match.

Chasing Zimbabwe's fighting 221 for the loss of nine wickets in the stipulated 50 overs, Bangladesh reached the winning target making 222 for the loss of nine wickets when they had just six balls to spare.

Bangladesh lost their early five wickets for 105 runs. Later, Naeem Islam and Mahmudullah Riyad repaired the damage contributing together 69 runs in the seventh wicket stand before Mahmudullah was run out by Justice Chibhabha scoring 33 when the team's total was 174 for the loss of six wickets. Mahmudullah faced 53 balls with one four and one six.

Roqibul Hasan was the other remarkable batsmen for Bangladesh. He notched up 31 off 51 balls including three fours.

Besides, wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan and Zunaed Siddiqui added 23, 20, 19 runs to the hosts total.

Stuart Matsikenyeri and Justice Chibhabha got two wickets each conceding 25 and 52 runs respectively.

Besides, Graeme Cremer and Christopher Mpofu took one wicket apiece.

Earlier, Brendon Taylor's undefeated 118 helped Zimbabwe to post a notable total. Taylor cracked four sixes and seven fours in his 125-ball knock.

Elton Chigumbura was the other remarkable run getter for Zimbabwe. He scored a run-a-ball 38 including six shots across the fence.

Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah Riyad and Abdur Razzak Raj harpooned three wickets each at the cost of 29, 52, 56 runs respectively.