Zim clinch ODI series

Sikandar Raza and skipper Regis Chakabva’s 201-run stand took Zimbabwe in the lead to seal the second ODI win by a commanding margin of five wickets in Harare on Sunday, resulting them braced their first ODI series win against Bangladesh since 2013.

With two early dismissals, Hasan Mahmud gave the Tigers a strong start with the ball, before spinners Mehedi Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam each got one wicket to leave Zimbabwe in crumble.

At that point, a win was looking like a matter of time for the visitors, but Chakbva joined Sikandar Raza, and started scoring rapidly to keep up with the required rate.

Raza came in when the chips were down as his side were struggling at 49 for four. Along with Chakabva, Raza slowly got the score moving with both batters initially focusing on reconsolidating the innings.

The pivotal moment from Bangladesh’s perspective came when Raza got a reprieve in the 26th over after Mehedi Hasan Miraz dislodged the stumps with his wrong hand while Raza was out of his crease, running back to the

danger end. The third-umpire’s call saw Raza get the lifeline that he and his side desperately needed. From then on, the duo showed the required skill and mental resilience to get the game away from the Tigers.

Chakabva departed to Miraz after a stormy 75-ball 102, laced with 10 fours and two sixes. However, Raza and debutant Tony Munyonga ensured that Zimbabwe won without further hiccups.

Earlier, Bangladesh put on 290 runs on the board, courtesy of Mahmudullah Riyad’s unbeaten 80 and Afif Hossain’s 41.

Bangladesh got off to a solid start with Tamim Iqbal and Anamul Haque Bijoy’s 71-run stand. Tamim looked in good touch during a 45-ball 50 but then Bangladesh lost both openers within the space of nine deliveries as Bijoy departed for 20. Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim got starts during a 50-run partnership but neither went on to make a big score, departing for 38 and 25, respectively.

Afif accelerated with a run-a-ball 41 after sluggish scoring rate in the middle overs while Mahmudullah’s late surge during an 84-ball 80 not out helped Bangladesh to 290 for nine.