Kaia, Raza look rock solid in the middle

After a shaky start with the bat, Zimbabwe recovered quite nicely in the first match of the three-match ODI series at the Harare Sports Club on Friday.

The hosts could not start well as they lost their both openers after collecting six runs inside just two overs.

Mustafizur Rahman picked up the first wicket. He removed Zimbabwe skipper Regis Chakabva in the last ball of the first over. After facing six deliveries, the batter scored two runs.

In the next over, Shoriful Islam came into the attack and dismissed the other opener Tarisai Musakanda who made four runs.

Later, Innocent Kaia and Wesley Madhevere made some resistance. However, Madhevere walked off after scoring 19 runs.

Kaia stepped out and slammed the ball through mid-wicket. A bit of a fumble by the fielder which tempted Kaia for the second run. Madhevere however was caught ball watching and was stranded well short of his crease at the bowler's end.

After Madhevere’s departure, Sikandar Raza came into the middle and the visitors could not find a moment to celebrate afterward as Kaia and Raza both hit centuries. 

Kaia and Raza were unbeaten on hundreds and Zimbabwe were 235 for three after the end of 39 overs. They took 115 and 81 deliveries to bring up their tons. It was the maiden century for Kaia while the fifth for Raza.

Earlier, Bangladesh posted 303 runs after losing only two wickets. Tamim Iqbal, Litton Das, Ananmul haque Bijoy and Mushfiqur Rahim all hit half-centuries.