Bangladesh win by 21 runs

Bangladesh: 256/8, Zimbabwe: 235/8 (50 overs)

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Bangladesh beat Zimbabwe by 21 runs in 4th ODI at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium today, leading Tigers the five-match series 4-0.

Zimbabwe were trembling while chasing Tigers’ 257-run target and had to lose eight wickets to score 235 runs in 50 overs after the home-side bowlers stroke the visitors in regular intervals.

Ace all rounder Shakib Al Hasan made the important breakthroughs for Tigers by removing Hamilton Masakadza and Vusi Sibanda.

The slow left-arm orthodox sent Sibanda to the pavilion in his first delivery of 11th over and bowled Masakadza in 12th.

Jubair Hossain celebrated his first ODI wicket dismissing Timycen Maruma (6) in 16th over.

After a poor performance of top order batsmen, Tigers’ middle order came up with salvation to set the target.

Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim played the reviving partnership after Tamim Iqbal, Anamul Haque, Imrul Kayes and Shakib Al Hasan got out within the first hour of play.

Zimbabwe celebrate falls of Bangladeshi batsmen within the first hour of the fourth ODI against Zimbabwe after choosing to bat first at Mirpur Friday. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

Anamul Haque (5) returning to the pavilion after falling in LBW trap. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

Anamul Haque (5) returning to the pavilion after falling in LBW trap. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

The duo built a 134-run partnership. Mushfiq scored 77 and Mahmudullah remained unbeaten at 82. Mashrafe provided an explosive 39 near the end of the innings.

Madziva and Mire picked three wickets each for Zimbabwe.

Bangladesh chose to bat first after winning the toss at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium today.

Zimbabwe bowlers were being able to apply pressure on the Bangladesh batsmen early in the innings.

A minute of silence was observed by the players, match officials and the audience in memory of Phil Hughes, the Australian test batsman who succumbed to a tragic on-field injury yesterday.

The players and match officials also wore black armbands.

Bangladesh opner Tamim Iqbal flicks a ball n the fourth ODI against Zimbabwe at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium Friday. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

Bangladesh opner Tamim Iqbal flicks a ball in the fourth ODI against Zimbabwe at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium Friday. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

Bangladesh won the first three ODIs and is now has an unassailable lead in the five-match series.

Bangladesh and Zimbabwe players observe a minute of silence in memory of Phil Hughes ahead of 4th ODI in Dhaka on Friday. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

Bangladesh and Zimbabwe players observe a minute of silence in memory of Phil Hughes ahead of 4th ODI in Dhaka on Friday. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

Bangladesh

Tamim Iqbal, Anamul Haque, Imrul Kayes, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Sabbir Rahman, Mashrafe Mortaza*, Abul Hasan, Jubair Hossain, Rubel Hossain

Zimbabwe

Timycen Maruma, Hamilton Masakadza, Vusi Sibanda, Brendan Taylor, Regis Chakabva, Elton Chigumbura*, Peter Moor (wk), Tendai Chatara, Neville Madziva, Solomon Mire, Tafadzwa Kamungozi