Naeem Islam's 73 not out led Bangladesh to a one-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the fifth and final limited-overs one-day international on Thursday. With the win, Bangladesh took the five-match series 4-1. Earlier, Zimbabwe posted a competitive 221-9 after Bangladesh won the toss and sent the visitors in to bat at Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. Islam made his 73 from 90 balls with four boundaries and four sixes. Bangladesh initially struggled in response before Islam partnered with Mahmudullah Riyad in a crucial sixth-wicket stand of 69 runs which ended when Riyad (33) was run out by Justice Chibhabha. Islam was still at the wicket with tailender Nazmul Hossain (1) when Bangladesh passed the visitor's total with an over to spare. Roqibul Hassan was the third top scorer with 31. Wickets from Chibhabha (2-25) and Stuart Matsikenyeri (2-52) put Zimbabwe within sight of victory. Earlier, Brendan Taylor brought up his maiden limited-overs century to help Zimbabwe post a competitive total. Taylor reached his century from 119 balls with five boundaries and three sixes. After Zimbabwe slumped to 113-7, Taylor continued his aggressive knock, ending the innings unbeaten at 118. Elton Chigumbura was the second highest scorer with his 38 before he was caught behind by Mushfiqur Rahim off a delivery from Mahmudullah Riyad. Raymond Price could manage only 13, while the rest of the batting order failed miserably. Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan led the bowling with figures of 3-29, while Mahmudullah Riyad (3-52) and Abdur Razzak (3-56) also bowled effectively. Hasan claimed Forster Mutizwa for 5, Chibhabha for a duck and Graeme Cremer for 10. Razzak dismissed skipper Hamilton Masakadza (10) and opening partner Mark Vermuelen (7), before trapping Raymond Price lbw for 13. Riyad bowled Malcolm Waller for a duck and dismissed Matsikenyeri for 8.
