Liton, Shakib help Tigers rout Zim

Bangladesh showed excellent all-round display as Liton Das' century and Shakib Al Hasan's five-wicket haul helped the Tigers thrash hosts Zimbabwe by 155 runs in the first ODI at the Harare Sports Club yesterday.

The thumping win also meant the Tigers have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. However, more than the margin of win, Bangladesh will be exhilarated to have bagged 10 more crucial points in the ICC ODI Super League. Bangladesh are in second position with 60 points from six wins in 10 games. England lead the chart with 95 points from nine wins in 15 matches.

Chasing Bangladesh's total of 276 for nine, Zimbabwe only managed to score 121 for nine in 28.5 overs as their last batsman Timycen Maruma did not come out to bat after picking up an injury earlier during fielding.

Shakib shone with the ball as the all-rounder picked up his third five-wicket haul in ODIs. He started his onslaught by scalping the crucial wicket of Zimbabwe skipper Brendan Taylor in the 15th over and also went on to pick up the important wicket of Regis Chakabva, who scored 54.

The top all-rounder ended with impressive figures of five 30 in his 9.5 overs that included a wicket-maiden.     

Earlier, after being asked to bat, Liton showed grit and determination as he survived a tricky initial phase on way to smashing a 114-ball 102 to lay the foundation for Bangladesh's imposing total.