A fine 62 from opener Hamilton Masakadza set up hosts Zimbabwe for an 11-run victory over Bangladesh in the opening match of a Twenty20 tri-nations tournament that includes South Africa. Masakadza slammed four sixes and six fours in a 35-ball stand and captain Brendan Taylor (38) offered good support as the home team reached 154-6 off 20 overs in clear, warm conditions. Bangladesh could make only 143-5 in reply and new coach Richard Pybus started with a loss in a country which has not proved a happy hunting ground for the Tigers as they lost a Test and a one-day international series there last year.
Brief scores from opening match in non-cap Twenty20 tri-nation tournament at Harare Sports Club Sunday: Zimbabwe 154-6 (20 overs) (H. Masakadza 62, B. Taylor 38, S. Matsikenyeri 18; A. Hasan 2-37) v B’desh 143-5 (20) (T. Iqbal 38, N. Hossain 29 not out, Z. Rahman 23, M. Ashraful 22; C. Mpofu 2-20), Zimbabwe win by 11 runs.
