Twitter Reactions: Liton Das’ century steers Bangladesh to dominant win in opener

In the opening ODI in Sylhet, Bangladesh, at no stage, looked like stuttering against Zimbabwe. In the end, it was all too easy for Mashrafe Mortaza and Co, who came out trumps by 169 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Liton Das’ second ODI ton set the tone before the bowlers got a stranglehold on the Zimbabwe batting. The visitors have plenty of work to do before the next game.

Liton steadies the ship

Liton Das (126) and Tamim Iqbal (24) got their team off to a breezy start with a 60-run stand. Tamim tried to play the sheer anchor’s role after which he became debutant Wesley Madhevere’s maiden victim. Najmul Hossain Shanto (29) promised, but got out to Tinotenda Mutombodzi. Veterans Mushfiqur Rahim (19) and Mahmudullah Riyad (32) started well and then gave their wickets away.

At the other end, Liton accomplished his fifty off 45 balls and then to his century off 95 balls. But he had to retire hurt after getting hit on the helmet. However, after he went, Mohammad Mithun (50) kept the scoreboard ticking and his 68-run stand with Mahmudullah took the Tigers to a position of command. Mohammad Saifuddin played a cameo of 28 and took the Tigers’ score to a daunting score of 321 for six.

Tigers script their biggest ODI triumph

Zimbabwe, in their run-chase, lost wickets at regular intervals and went behind the 8-ball. The returning Mohammad Saifuddin removed Tinashe Kamunhukamwe and Regis Chakabva to push the visitors on the backfoot. Mashrafe Mortaza, who came back after the 2019 World Cup, nipped out his opposite number, Chamu Chibhabha. Taijul Islam cleaned up the experienced Brendan Taylor to further jolt Zimbabwe.

Madhevere contributed with 35 off 44 with five fours, but it was only to delay the inevitable. Sikandar Raza (18), Richmond Mutumbami (17) and Mutombodzi (24) perished after getting starts. For Bangladesh, Saifuddin was the most successful with three wickets on his return from injury. Mashrafe and Mehidy Hasan Miraz returned with two wickets each. It was also the Tigers biggest victory in their ODI history.

Here’s how Twitterati reacted to Bangladesh’s victory: –

Could be Mashrafe Mortaza's last series as captain, maybe even as a player. Yes, bowling returns have decreased but has been an inspirational leader. Deserves a good send off #BANvZIM

— MediumPaceDobbler (@MediumPaceDobb1) March 1, 2020

Bangladesh win by 169 runs! 🎉

That is their biggest ODI victory ever by runs 👏 #BANvZIM pic.twitter.com/GkPcl6ZnWL

— ICC (@ICC) March 1, 2020

Liton Das' 126* is the 2nd highest ODI score by a Bangladesh wicketkeeper next to Mushfiqur Rahim's 144 v Sri Lanka at Dubai on 15 September 2018#BanvZim

— Arthur_S (@allanholloway) March 1, 2020

@ZimCricketv be like: You're outta form? You're outta form? Here it is…form for you, form for you, form for you! Seeing #Zimbabwe, every single guy is getting back to form! 😂 #BANvZIM

— Muhammad🇧🇩 فايسال অনি 🇧🇩 (@imfaisalony007) March 1, 2020

Well done Bangladesh and congratulations Liton Das….. 😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩

— Shakib All Hasan (@SakibAl33575051) March 1, 2020

I can see Mohammad Saifuddin one day lead Bangladesh in the shorter formats as captain in the future. #BANvZIM #Cricket #Saifuddin

— BDTigersCricket (@bangla13c) March 1, 2020

ALL OUT FOR 152
That just sounds CLOWNISH
Mambo tinzwereiwo tsitsi#BANvZIM

— #SportsFanatic⚽🎾⛳🏀 (@taytbells) March 1, 2020

Bangladesh beat Zimbabwe by 169 runs in the first ODI and take 1-0 lead in the three-match series. #BANvZIM

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 1, 2020

How on earth has the umpire given that out? Shocker #BANvZIM

— larry kwirirayi (@kwirirayi) March 1, 2020

mash making sure pacer doesn't get enough wickets. he is using spinner more than pacer and even given ball to riyad which he hardly did in the past#BANvZIM

— Let Me Think (@Chutzpah_101) March 1, 2020

Highest ODI scores retired hurt:
176* – E Lewis – WI v Eng – Oval 2017
163* – SR Tendulkar – Ind v NZ – Christchurch 2009
133* – F du Plessis – SA v Ind – Mumbai 2015
129* – Salman Butt – Pak v Ind – Dhaka 2008
126* – Liton Das – Ban v Zim – Sylhet 2020#BanvZim

— Arthur_S (@allanholloway) March 1, 2020