Bangladesh get the better of Zimbabwe

Bangladesh beat Zimbabwe by 75 runs at the Nondescripts Cricket Club in Colombo today. Replying to the Bangladesh total of 270, Zimbabwe were restricted to 195 for 9 at the end of their 50 overs.

It proved to be a good toss to win for Bangladesh. Electing to bat first openers Nahidul Haque and Mohammed Selim raced to 91 without loss after 15 overs. It was a combination of good batting and some wayward bowling by the Zimbabweans. The pair went on to share in a first wicket partnership of 122. Zimbabwe responded well and pegged Bangladesh back to 144 for three in the 30th. Both Haque and Selim made 54.

Tariqual Hassan (35) and Mahfuz Kabir (31) provided the sting in the tail. They put 71 runs in quick time helping Bangladesh to a commanding 270 for 7 at the close of their innings.

With an asking rate well in excess of 5 an over, the pressure was on Zimbabwe from the start. Adding to that Zimbabwe lost early wickets, reduced at one stage to 56 for 3. The Bangladesh bowlers kept proceedings tight and were backed up by some excellent out fielding and catches. Zimbabwe's batsmen struggled to rotate the strike and were never able to get above the run rate required. When the last ball was bowled Zimbabwe were 195 for 9, a comprehensive 75 run win for Bangladesh. Mike Munson top scored with 45, Anwar Hossain the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 39.

Dipu Roy Chowdhury, Manager of Bangladesh, was delighted with his team's performance. He told CricInfo "we had a plan and it worked. We knew we had to capitalise on Zimbabwe's bowling. They are a strong batting side. I am very happy to beat a Test playing nation. Obviously we are looking to get Test status and hopefully our good wins over Zimbabwe and Kenya will have caught the attention of the ICC."

Having won the group, Bangladesh play Ireland in the semifinals. Zimbabwe have the tougher draw against South Africa. Captain and key player for Zimbabwe Mluleki Nkala picked up an ankle injury while bowling today and is likely to be out of the tournament.