DHAKA, May 12, 2024 (BSS)-Veteran Mahmudullah Riyad hit a half-century as

Bangladesh put up 157-6 in the fifth and final T20 International against
Zimbabwe at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today.

Bangladesh, which are eying a 5-0 sweep of the series, once again experienced
a top order collapse before Mahmudullah's 44 ball-54, studded with six fours
and one six helped them propel past 150.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto added 36 while Jaker Ali Anik finished the
things with a rapid 11 ball-24 not out, laced with one four and two sixes.
Shakib Al Hasan chipped-in-with 21.

Put in to bat first, Soumya Sarkar launched Bangladesh to a fluent start,
hitting a six in the first over but fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani who
claimed 2-22, undid in form Taznid Hasan Tamim with a short ball for 2 in the
second over.

Offspinner Brian Bennet who also grabbed 2-20, then struck twice to remove
Soumya for 7 and Towhid Hridoy for 1, leaving Bangladesh at precarious 15-3.

Mahmudullah and Shanto combined for a 69-run partnership to bring the side
back in contention.

As the things looked positive for Bangladesh, Wellington Masakadza broke
through with the wicket of Shanto.

Mahmudullah then shared 39-run with Shakib and Bangladesh looked to press for
quick runs in the death overs.

Mahmudullah nudged left-arm spinner Sean Williams' quicker delivery to fine
leg for a single to raise his eighth fifty off 36 balls.

Fast bowler Luke Jongwe slowed down Bangladesh when he dismissed Shakib who
skied a back of length delivery to mid wicket before Muzarabani baffled
Mahmudullah with a sly slower.

Jaker Ali Anik however pushed Bangladesh past 150, with ultra-aggressive
batting.