Nafees calls the shots

Shahriar Nafees © Getty Images

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Half-centuries from Shahriar Nafees and Mehrab Hossain Jnr saw Bangladesh to a six-wicket win over Zimbabwe in Bogra and a 2-0 lead in the five-match one-day series.

They shared an opening stand of 104 in the successful run-chase, Zimbabwe having been restricted to 217 for seven in their 50 overs despite a maiden ODI half-century from Sean Williams.

Nafees made 67 at almost a run-a-ball before he was removed by Elton Chigumbura.

Aftab Ahmed was caught and bowled by Williams for 12, but Hossain continued to punish the Zimbabwe attack alongside Saqibul Hasan, who contributed 36 to a third-wicket partnership worth 49 before a mix-up saw him run out.

Hossain passed 50 before succumbing to Prosper Utseya, but captain Habibul Bashar, who finished 31 not out, and Mohammad Ashraful saw Bangladesh home with more than seven overs to spare.

Zimbabwe’s innings got off to a poor start when Brendan Taylor was removed by Shahadat Hossain with just five runs on the board.

But knocks of 25 and 31 from Stuart Matsikenyeri and Chamu Chibhabha, respectively, helped the visitors recover.

Masharafe Mortaze split the partnership when Matsikenyeri edged to wicket-keeper Khaled Mashud, and Chibhabha quickly followed, trapped leg before by Saqibul Hasan.

A fourth-wicket partnership of 76 between Williams and Hamilton Masakadza steadied the ship for Zimbabwe, but the latter fell nine runs short of his half-century and Chigumbura then departed cheaply.

The dismissal of Williams by Mohammad Rafique for 61 signalled the beginning of the end for Zimbabwe, who also lost Gary Brent for four late on.

Mortaza, Saqibul and Rafique took two wickets apiece for Bangladesh.