TRI-NATION SERIES: TIGERS USHERED IN 2018 WITH AN EIGHT-WICKET WIN OVER ZIMBABWE

Bangladeshi cricketers congratulate captain Mashrafee bin Murtaza (C) after the dismissal of the Zimbabwe cricketer Hamilton Masakadza (R) during the first one-day international match of the Tri-Nations Series between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on January 15, 2018. — AFP photo

Tigers ushered in 2018 with an eight-wicket win over Zimbabwe, in the first match of the tri-series also involving Sri Lanka. After the bowlers, led by Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman, bowled out Zimbabwe for 170, Tamim Iqbal struck an unbeaten 84 to wrap up the chase with eight wickets and 129 balls to spare.

The hosts took the control of the game ever since Sakib struck twice in the first over of the game after skipper Mashrafee bin Mortaza won the toss and opted to bowl first.

Pace bowlers joined the party as Mashrafee and Mustafizur Rahman soon reduced Zimbabwe to 51 for four before Raza provided a brief resistance.

Shakib Al Hasan celebrates a wicket Getty Images

Peter Moor supported Raza with 33 before Rubel Hossain took two wickets off successive balls to expedite Zimbabwe’s collapse and complete his 100 ODI wickets as fifth Bangladeshi bowler.

Rubel finished with 2-24 and Mustafiz added 2-29 to set up an easy target for Bangladesh.

Tamim, who hit eights fours and a six, lost his opening partner Anamul Haque (19) early but added 78-run with Sakib (37) for the second wicket to set up the innings for Bangladesh.

Bangladesh will face Sri Lanka in their next game on January 19.