Bangladeshi spinners restrict Zimbabwe in one-dayer

KHULNA, Bangladesh, Nov 30 (Reuters) Abdur Razzak led the Bangladeshi spin attack in restricting Zimbabwe to 184 for nine in the first one-day international today.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Zimbabwe started confidently with a flurry of boundaries by openers Brendan Taylor and Stuart Matsikenyeri, who collected 52 runs in the first 12.4 overs.

Left-arm spinner Razzak then drew first blood by bowling out Matsikenyeri for 27 on his way to career-best figures of 4-33.

Fellow left-arm spinner Mohammad Rafique chipped in 2-35 to become the first Bangladeshi to bag 100 wickets in one-day internationals.

Playing his 104th match, Rafique bowled out Zimbabwe's number three Sean Williams (2) before removing Taylor on 38 when Aftab Ahmed caught the opener at mid-off to make the score 91-3 Elton Chigumbura (31), Mluleki Nkala (22), Gary Brent (20), Chamunorwa Chibhabha (19) were the only other contributors to Zimbabwe's low score from a full 50 overs.

Razzak also removed Brent, Nkala and captain Prosper Utseya (6) to complete his four-wicket haul.

Saqibul Hasan, another left-arm spinner, picked up 2-30 while paceman Mashrafe Mortaza took the other wicket for 32 runs.

REUTERS PM PM1401