Kayes, Mehidy help Bangladesh go 1-0 up

DHAKA: Bangladesh beat Zimbabwe by 28 runs at the Sher-ebangla National Stadium here on Sunday to go 1-0 up in the three-match ODI series.

Bangladesh opted to bat and were reeling at 139/6 before a 127-run partnership between opener Imrul Kayes (144) and Saifuddin (50) took them to 271/8.

Kayes, who managed just 83 runs in three games in last month’s Asia Cup, smashed 13 fours and six maximums in his 140-ball knock. For Zimbabwe, seamer Kyle Jarvis took a fourwicket haul (4/37).

In reply, Zimbabwe lost wickets at crucial intervals and were restricted to 243/9. Sean Williams was Zimbabwe’s top-scorer with an unbeaten 50. Off-spinner Mehidy Hasan claimed a career best 3/46 for Bangladesh.

The second ODI will be held in Chittagong on Wednesday.

Brief Scores: Bangladesh 271/8 in 50 ovs (I Kayes 144, Saifuddin 50; K Jarvis 4/37) beat Zimbabwe 243/9 in 50 ovs (S Williams 50*, M Hasan 3/46) by 28 runs.