GP-BCB National Cricket Academy must thank Ziaur Rahman after his allround show helped them manage an exciting one-wicket victory against Sri Lanka Academy in the first one-dayer of the three-match series at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo yesterday.
The Khulna fast bowler struck an unbeaten 16-ball 35 with three sixes and as many fours as the visitors reached 128 for nine in 38.2 overs, after the hosts were bowled out for 127 in 36.3 overs.
Arafat Sunny was unbeaten on 14 with Zia as the last pair saw Academy home by the tiniest of margin. Imrul Kayes topscored with 45.
Earlier, Zia claimed three wickets for 17 but Nasir Hossain made the damage for Sri Lanka Academy by claiming four wickets for 13 runs in ten overs with his off-spin.
The second one-day will be held tomorrow at the SSC ground and the final on September 25 at the NCC ground.