BULAWAYO: Zimbabwe defeated Bangladesh by 69 runs in the third of five one-day internationals at the Queen's Sports Club here on Friday.

After losses in the two opening games, this win put the hosts firmly back in the series, with two more matches to come here on Sunday and Tuesday.

Zimbabwe, sent into bat after Bangladesh won the toss, were sent on their way to victory by Hamilton Masakadza's maiden one-day century with the big-hitting batsman smashing 102 off 112 balls with four boundaries and two sixes.

Elton Chigumbra (61 not out) and Brendan Taylor (94), back after a lengthy period playing in England, added a further 90 from 50 balls, with Chigumbra's 50 coming from just 26 balls.

Zimbabwe's total of 323 was their best here against a Bangladesh side who fell well short of matching their performance.

Bangladesh, who arrived here having swept the Test and one-day series in the West Indies, were always struggling once they had slipped to 39-4 after Tamim Iqbal was out first ball, Naeem Islam was bowled by Chigumbura, Mohammad Ashraful skied to third man and skipper Shakib al Hasan made just 17.

Raqibul Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim tried to rescue the situation with the pair adding a quickfire 68 while Mahbubul Alam lit up the innings with three successive sixes in his maiden half-century.

But Zimbabwe sealed victory in the 45th over.

"We didn't bowl well," said Shakib. "It was a tough day for us; hopefully we will come back in the next game. We didn't start well with the bat. Only 80 runs were needed in the last overs but we didn't have enough wickets."

Zimbabwe skipper Prosper Utseya said: "The guys managed to come to the party today. Form is temporary, class is permanent. I think our batting can still improve. On that wicket, 350 is a good score."

Chigumbura, who also picked up two wickets, was named man of the match.

"It was a good innings. The guys upfront did a good job to help me come in and play my game. We have to do well on Sunday to level the series," said the all-rounder.