Chittagong, Bangladesh: Openers Anamul Haque and Tamim Iqbal both struck half-centuries to steer Bangladesh to a challenging 251-7 in the second one-day International against Zimbabwe on Sunday.
Haque was the top scorer with 80 and Iqbal hit 76. They shared 158 runs for the opening stand after Bangladesh elected to bat first, in what was the second best opening partnership after Mehrab Hossain and Shahriar Hossain put up 170 against the same opponents in 1999.
The other Bangladesh batsmen could not capitalize on the strong start as Zimbabwe made regular inroads to keep the hosts at bay.
Mominul Haque was the other notable contributor with 33 not out. Mushfiqur Rahim made 27.
Iqbal was run out after hitting seven fours and one six in his 27th fifty.
Medium fast bowler Vusi Sibanda, who came in to bowl for the first time since 2011, helped Zimbabwe make a perfect comeback in dismissing Shakib Al Hasan on naught to leave Bangladesh on 158-2.
Shakib single-handedly sank Zimbabwe in the first match when smashing a century in a four-wicket haul.
Fast bowler Tinashe Panyangara then dealt the hosts a double blow in removing Anamul Haque and Sabbir Rahman (0) in three balls.
As Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah (12) appeared to be getting comfortable, leg-spinner Tafadzwa Kamungozi stepped up and removed both in consecutive deliveries.
Mominul Haque then hit some lusty blows to help the side propel past the 250-run mark.
Haque hit three fours in his 33 off 23.
Tafadza Kamungozi (2-38) and Tinashe Panyangara (2-51) claimed two wickets apiece. Fast bowler Tenda Chatara and Vusi sibanda picked up one apiece.
