Sikandar Raza smashed an unbeaten 65 off 26 balls and Wessly Madhevere scored 67 as Zimbabwe posted 205-3 against Bangladesh in Harare on Saturday in the first of a three-match Twenty20 international series.

Pakistan-born Raza, often the most prolific Zimbabwe run getter, scored quickly after coming in at number five in a knock that included four sixes and seven fours.

Madhevere was closing in on a career best T20 score of 73 when forced to retire injured midway through the final over at Harare Sports Club.

The 46-ball innings of the 21-year-old right-hand batsman included nine fours and he shared increasingly fruitful partnerships with captain Craig Ervine, Sean Williams and Raza.

Bangladesh, lacking several key figures, struggled with their bowling and fielding.

Zimbabwe began the series in a confident mood having won all five matches as hosts this month in a qualifying tournament for the T20 World Cup in Australia during October and November.

Wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan was the stand-in captain for the tourists, who are without Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah Riyad, Mushfiqur Rahim and the retired Tamim Iqbal.