HARARE: Newman Nyamhuri took two wickets for his brave 33 to help Zimbabwe beat Bangladesh by 25 runs.
Batting first, Bangladesh fast bowler Nahit Rana took 6 wickets conceding only 21 runs in his 10 overs.
Rana was supported by fellow pacer Taskin Ahmed, who took 2 for 32 in seven overs, while skipper Mehidi Hasan Miraz picked up a wicket.
He was the highest scorer for Zimbabwe by scoring 33 runs off 51 balls with 5 fours. He shared a crucial ninth-wicket partnership of 63 with captain Richard Ngarawa, who contributed 27 off 41 balls.
Apart from them, only top-order batsmen Innocent Gaia (26), Ben Curran (18) and Brian Bennett (17) managed to score double figures as the home side succumbed to a low score in the opening game of the ODI series.
Chasing a target of 142, Bangladesh were bowled out for 116 in 33.1 overs in a heavy defeat to give Zimbabwe a 1-0 lead in the series, the second of which will be played at the same venue on Thursday.
Wicket keeper Noorul Hasan, who came out to bat with the scoreboard reading 17/3 in the fifth over, scored 31 runs off 44 balls with 3 fours and a six and fought it out for the visitors.
Apart from him, fellow middle-order batsman Dawhid Hridoi (25) and skipper Miras (10) could put up double figures against Zimbabwe’s bowling attack, with co-captain Ngarawa and Brad Evans picking up three wickets each.
Their efforts were supported by Blessing Musharbani and Niamhuri who took two wickets each and the latter was adjudged man of the match for his all-round exploits.