derick.khumalo
Bongani Ndlovu, Zimpapers Sports Hub
Bangladesh completed a remarkable comeback to seal the three-match T20 International series with a four-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the decider at Queens Sports Club on Sunday.
Having bounced back with a 34-run win on Friday after suffering a 32-run defeat in the opening match, Bangladesh produced a disciplined all-round display to restrict Zimbabwe to 143 before calmly chasing down the target with two balls to spare.
The series triumph salvaged an otherwise disappointing tour for the visitors, who were thrashed by an innings and 85 runs in the one-off Test in Harare before losing the One-Day International series 2-1.
For Zimbabwe, it is back to the drawing board, with their fielding once again proving costly. After dropping six catches in the second T20I, the Chevrons put down another four opportunities in the decider, making it 10 dropped catches in the last two matches. The missed chances handed Bangladesh the initiative and the tourists capitalised.
Batting first after being sent in, Zimbabwe struggled to build momentum despite a fighting partnership between Dion Myers and Brian Bennett.
Myers anchored the innings with a composed 73 while Bennett chipped in with 47, but the rest of the batting line-up failed to make meaningful contributions as Zimbabwe finished on a below-par 143.
Bangladesh’s bowlers maintained tight lines and lengths throughout the innings, with Taskin Ahmed leading the attack with figures of 3 for 27. Mahedi Hasan provided excellent support, claiming 2 for 25, while Rishad Hossain chipped in with a wicket as Zimbabwe were denied the late flourish they desperately needed.
In reply, Bangladesh lost Saif Hassan early to Richard Ngarava, but Tanzid Hasan held the innings together with an unbeaten 66 off 58 deliveries.
Parvez Hossain Emon contributed 24 while captain Towhid Hridoy added another 24 to keep the chase on course before Zimbabwe threatened a late fightback.
Ngarava finished with two wickets for 20, Brad Evans also claimed two wickets, while Sikandar Raza picked up two scalps as Bangladesh briefly stumbled late in the innings.
However, Tanzid remained calm at the crease before Mahedi Hasan struck the winning boundary to take Bangladesh to 144 for six in 19.4 overs and secure a memorable series victory.
Zimbabwe will rue another poor display in the field, with their catching proving the decisive factor in a series that looked firmly in their grasp after the opening victory.
Online Reporter