Bangladesh suffered a disappointing start to the tri-series, losing the opening match against Zimbabwe by 99 runs in Abu Dhabi.

Chasing 272 for victory, Bangladesh were bowled out for just 172 in 33.4 overs, with another batting collapse exposing their weaknesses in the ODI format.

Bangladesh Collapse After Promising Start

Bangladesh made a decent start to the chase, reaching 42 without losing a wicket in the first six overs. However, the dismissal of Soumya Sarkar triggered a dramatic collapse.

The Zimbabwean bowling attack was not necessarily dominant throughout the innings. Instead, several Bangladesh batters threw away their wickets with poor shot selection and lapses in concentration.

Towhid Hridoy, Najmul Hossain and Mosaddek Hossain were expected to steady the innings in the middle overs, but all three were dismissed leg before wicket after failing to read the line of the deliveries properly.

Tanzid Hasan, who had survived on the previous delivery, was caught off the very next ball. Soumya Sarkar also fell to a catch in the slip cordon.

Tanzid top-scored for Bangladesh with 46, while Saif Hasan made 26 and Rishad Hossain contributed 23. However, none of them could stay long enough to take Bangladesh close to the target.

Ervine and Taylor Power Zimbabwe to 271

Earlier, Zimbabwe posted 271 for eight in their 50 overs after opting to bat first.

Captain Craig Ervine led the way with a superb 93, while Taylor added 81. Niamuri remained unbeaten on 21 as Zimbabwe finished with a competitive total.

Taskin Ahmed was Bangladesh's leading bowler with three wickets for 44 runs. Saif Hasan and Shoriful Islam claimed two wickets each.

Zimbabwe's Evans was the standout bowler, taking four wickets for 45 runs. Raja and Masakadza picked up two wickets apiece.

Ervine was named Player of the Match for his match-winning innings.

Bangladesh Face Tough Qualification Equation

The defeat has made Bangladesh's route to the final considerably more difficult. Bangladesh will face Afghanistan on October 21, and they will need a victory in that match while also relying on other results and the tournament points equation.

Bangladesh will also have an eye on the upcoming Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan match. A Zimbabwe victory in that game could set up what would effectively become an unofficial semifinal when Bangladesh face Afghanistan in their final group-stage match.

Brief Scores

Zimbabwe: 271/8 in 50 overs
Ervine 93, Taylor 81, Niamuri 21*
Taskin 3/44, Saif 2/17, Shoriful 2/47

Bangladesh: 172 all out in 33.4 overs
Tanzid 46, Saif 26, Rishad 23
Evans 4/45, Raja 2/28, Masakadza 2/18

Result: Zimbabwe won by 99 runs
Player of the Match: Craig Ervine