Dhaka: Chris Mpofu claimed three wickets to help Zimbabwe win the first of five one-day internationals against Bangladesh by nine runs on Wednesday at Dhaka's Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.
Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan smashed 63 off 65 balls to lead his side's chase after Zimbabwe was all out for 209, but he was removed by Mpofu in the 48th over and the hosts fell just short.
Regis Chakabva top-scored for Zimbabwe with 45, while Craig Ervine added 41. Bangladesh allrounder Abdur Razzak finished with figures of 4-41.
The next match is on Friday at the same venue.
After being put into bat by Bangladesh, Zimbabwe reached 53 without loss before Razzak claimed his first wicket by bowling Chamu Chibhabha for 24.
Razzak also dismissed opener Brendan Taylor (27), who was stumped by Rahim, and removed Elton Chigumbura (7) and Keith Dabengwa (8).
Chakabva was caught and bowled out by Mahmudullah in the 40th over. Mahmudullah and Suhrawadi Shuvo took two wickets apiece to finish off Zimbabwe's innings in the 49th over.
Bangladesh, who beat New Zealand 4-0 in a five-match home series in October, struggled throughout against Zimbabwe's spinners.
Mpofu (3-25) trapped opener Tamim Iqbal lbw for 23 and removed Mahmudullah, caught by Chamu Chibhabha, for 14.
Raymond Price (2-29) dismissed another opener Imrul Kayes, caught by Regis Chakabva, for 41, the second highest for Bangladesh. He then bowled Mushfiqur Rahim for one.
Al Hasan (63) was caught by Keegan Meth off Mpofu's delivery in the 48th over when Bangladesh needed 14 runs to win.
