Das ton sets up record Bangladesh victory

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The margin of victory is Bangladesh's highest in ODIs.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Bangladesh got off to a steady though unspectacular start, bringing up the fifty opening partnership in the 11th over. But debutant Wesley Madhevere struck soon after, pinning Tamim Iqbal leg before for an uncharacteristically slow 24 to pick up his maiden international wicket.

Another big partnership followed, with Das and Najmul Hossain Shanto pairing up to add 80 runs in just under 13 overs, with Das bringing up his half-century along the way. Shanto was the next man to go, another LBW victim, this time to Tinotenda Mutombodzi, bringing Mushfiqur Rahim to the middle.

Mushfiqur lasted long enough to see Das to his second ODI hundred, brought up from 95 balls, but perished later in the same over, edging Donald Tiripano behind for 19.

Tiripano's next over saw trouble for both sides, with Das smacking three boundaries but also being struck on the helmet by a bouncer, and pulled up with the cramp which forced him to vacate the crease the following over. He still had time to hit Madhevere for a huge six, before hobbling from the field to seek treatment.

Mahmudullah (39) and Mohammad Mithun (50) both struck at better than run a ball to keep the innings moving nicely for the hosts, before a late blast of 28* from 15 balls by Mohammad Saifuddin pushed Bangladesh to 321/6 – their highest ODI total against Zimbabwe.

The chase never threatened as openers Tinashe Kamunhukamwe and Chamu Chibhabha, along with Regis Chakabva were all dismissed before the end of the first Powerplay, at which point the score was just 28.

Brendan Taylor followed soon after, undone by an arm ball from Taijul Islam, and despite something of a partnership forming between Madhevere and Sikandar Raza, when the latter was caught off a top-edged hook for 18 it was all but over for the visitors.

Madhevere was caught at cover next over from the bowling of Mehidy Hasan for 35, the top score for Zimbabwe. Richmond Mutumbami gave some cause to smile for the away dressing room, smiting a couple of sixes before he was run out for 17.

Tinotendo Mutombodzi held out for some time, putting on 43 runs for the final two wickets with the help of Carl Mumba and Chris Mpofu before he was last man out for 24. Saifuddin finished as the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3/22.

The second ODI will be played on Tuesday 3 March at the same venue.