Zimbabweans in control as bowlers dominate

Zimbabweans 89 (Sajidul 5-14, Nazmul 4-28) and 133 for 2 (Masakadza 55*) lead BCB Academy 59 (Chigumbura 3-7, Rainsford 3-27) by 163 runs
Scorecard

Twenty two wickets fell on an action-packed opening day to the Zimbabwean's tour match against a Bangladesh Academy side at Bogra. Both first innings were over for less than 100 as the tourists were skittled for 89 before responding by removing the Bangladesh side for a paltry 59. By the close some normality had returned to proceedings as the Zimbabweans moved to 133 for 2, gaining a lead of 163.

The first six overs gave little indication of the mayhem to follow as Hamilton Masakadza and Vusi Sibanda eased to 35 without loss after the Zimbabweans decided to bat. However, Nazmul Hossain broke through and wickets started to fall in a rush as he and Sajidul Islam shared nine scalps.

After the opening pair, only Tatenda Taibu managed to reach double figures and the whole innings lasted just 21.3 overs as Sajidul ended with 5 for 14.

The home side, though, fared even worse as the assortment of Zimbabwean seamers hustled through a brittle batting order. Two Bangladeshi batsmen reached double figures as Marshall Ayub and Kamrul Islam added 31 for the fifth wicket, but either side of that mini resistance the first four fell for 20 and the last five for nine runs.

With an unexpected lead the Zimbabwean openers were back at the crease, but Sibanda fell for the second time in the day. Finally the batsmen began to settle as Masakadza and Stuart Matsikenyeri added 75 in 19 overs before Sajidul collected his sixth wicket of the day. Masakadza remained unbeaten on 55 at the close, by far the best individual effort.