DHAKA: Tigers have beaten visiting Zimbabwe by four wickets with eight-ball to spare in the first Twenty20 match of the four-match series at Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium in Khulna on Friday.

Bangladesh lost Soumya early, but Tamim gave the hosts a decent platform. Sabbir then dropped anchor and Shakib finished the match off calmly.

Tigers scored 166-run in 18.4-over losing six wickets. Sabbir Rahman was the top scorer with 46 while Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan hit 29, 26 and 20 runs respectively.

AG Cremer picked up two wickets while WP Masakadza, LM Jongwe and SC Williams took one wicket each.

Earlier, Zimbabwe captain Chigumbura won the toss and elected to bat in the match that started at 3:00pm (Bangladesh time).

The visitors scored 163-run losing seven wickets in their 20-over quota. H Masakadza hit 79-run while V Sibanda and MN Waller took 46 and 14 runs respectively.

Al-Amin Hossain and Mustafizur Rahman took two wickets each while Shakib Al Hasan picked up one wicket.

With the Asia Cup T20 looming and the WT20 to follow, Bangladesh are keen to lock a balanced combination.

Zimbabwe will also look to build for the WT20. They welcome back some experienced players like Hamilton Masakadza, B Vitori and V Sibanda.

** Tigers need 164-run

BDST: 1831 HRS, JAN 15, 2016
SR