Dhaka: Bangladeshi opening batsman Imrul Kayes proved his worth scoring his 3rd ODI century with career best 144 runs in a tough situation against Zimbabwe in the first match of the three-match ODI series at the home Bangladesh cricket—Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium—in Mirpur on Sunday.

When Bangladesh were losing wickets on a regular interval, the 32-year-old left-handed batsman from Meherpur district guided the team towards a good total firing his 3rd ton (100 runs) off just 118 balls, featuring eight fours and three sixes by a single, pushing a Chatara’s ball to the leg side.

Imrul Kayes, who was not considered for the West Indies, included in the team for the Asia Cup Cricket midway in place of injured opener Tamim Iqbal and scored 72 runs against Afghanistan in the regional tournament, came to bat in number six.

His colourful innings of 144 runs off 140 balls with 13 fours and six sixes came to an end in 48.4 overs, caught by Moor also off a Chatara delivery on 266 for 7.

Imrul Kayes, who made his ODI debut against New Zealand in 2008 in Chattagram, also scored 15 half centuries in the ODI Cricket. His previous best in the format was 112 made against England in October 2016.

Finally, Bangladesh made a fighting total of 271 runs for 8 in 50 overs where Mohammad Saiuddin, who gave a good support to Imrul Kayes, made half century of 50 runs off 69 balls hitting three fours and one six.