adminZIMBABWE’S 31-run win in the third T20 on Wednesday has suddenly made the final game today more meaningful.
Bangladesh are leading 2-1, but they were thrown off kilter by the visitors’ six-hitting spree and tight bowling in the last game.
Malcolm Waller was the main man, producing a 23-ball 49 runs that ensured Zimbabwe got to a big score from a position of relative strength.
Hamilton Masakadza and Vusi Sibanda started off well before Sean Williams and Waller took up the quick run-making.
Their spin attack comprising Tendai Chisoro, Graeme Cremer and Sikandar Raza took the game away from Bangladesh with wickets and by controlling the scoring rate.
But what clinched it for Zimbabwe was their ability to clear the boundary. They struck eight sixes and not all were slogs. They seem to have a better sense of the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium’s dimensions, finding the shorter boundaries with ease.
Zimbabwe received a blow on the eve of the match when the International Cricket Council announced that left-arm swing bowler Brian Vitori was reported for a suspect bowling action. However, he will be available for today’s game.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, are trying to balance out the degree of experimentation with their playing XI and the plan to win.
They deployed four debutants, three of whom were playing at international level for the first time. Except for Sabbir Rahman, none of the other regular players performed.
The game could end up being the only close one in the four-match series, but both teams will still be on the lookout for any performing newcomer. For Bangladesh, securing the series win will seem to matter a little more, given how they lost the third game. – ESPNcricinfo
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu