A 138-run partnership between Liton Das and Mahmudullah helped Bangladesh regain an upper edge in the contest after they lost six wickets for just 132 runs. Liton (95) was unlucky to miss out on his century, while Mahmudullah is unbeaten on 54. Bangladesh finished Day 1 on 294/8.
Mominul Haque won the toss and opted to bat, but Blessing Muzarabani struck twice in his first spell to reduce the visitors to 8/2. Muzarabani hit Saif Hasan through the gate in the first over, and then had Najmul Hossain Shanto caught by Dion Myers.
Muzarabani remained a threat throughout the innings, as Bangladesh batters struggled to come to terms with his six-foot-eight frame and the steep bounce he extracted.
Mominul Haque joined Shadman Islam out in the middle, and the duo batted together for over 15 overs to arrest the collapse. Shadman (23) edged one to the first slip off Richard Ngarava.
Mominul, meanwhile, kept the scoreboard ticking with singles and doubles. He also found boundaries with ease. His 92-ball 70 comprised 13 fours.
Muzarabani struck again, pinning Mushfiqur Rahim on the pad. Shakib Al Hasan, the next batter, edged an innocuous delivery to Regis Chakabva, while Mominul’s attempted cut found Myers at gully. The scoreboard read 132/6 at this stage.
But Zimbabwe’s inexperienced bowling attack failed to carry on the momentum. They got a bit complacent at the wrong time, allowing both Mahmudullah and Das to ease into their innings.
Where Mahmudullah was watchful throughout his stay, Das played his shots without hesitation. He took on every bowler, including Muzarabani, who failed to end the day with same energy and precision that he showed in the morning.
By the time Victor Nyauchi grabbed a stunning catch in the deep to send Liton back to the pavilion, it was too late. However, Mehidy Hasan Miraz got out leg-before first ball. Taskin Ahmed hit two boundaries, and was on 13 when bad light stopped the play.
Bangladesh 294/8 (Liton Das 95; Blessing Muzarabani 3-48) vs Zimbabwe.