Mahmudullah lifts Bangladesh to 157-6 in 5th T20

Dhaka, 12 May -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.