Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo
Zimbabwe got their Bangladesh tour off to a winning start after a disciplined all-round performance saw them beat the visitors by 32 runs in the first T20 International at Queens Sports Club on Wednesday.
The Chevrons posted 170/6 after being sent in to bat, before their bowlers combined effectively to dismiss Bangladesh for 138 in 19 overs.
Brian Bennett set the platform for Zimbabwe with an attacking 44 off 30 balls, striking six fours and a six, while Ryan Burl provided the finishing touch with an unbeaten 30 off 25 balls.
Brad Evans also played a crucial cameo at the end, smashing an unbeaten 19 off just 10 deliveries, including four boundaries, to lift Zimbabwe to a competitive total.
Tadiwanashe Marumani gave Zimbabwe a quick start with a 14-ball cameo, hitting two sixes before he was dismissed by Nahid Rana, who was Bangladesh’s best bowler with figures of 4/26.
Sikandar Raza contributed a brisk 20 off 13 balls before falling to Mohammad Saifuddin, who claimed 2/35, while Milton Shumba (11) and Tashinga Musekiwa departed cheaply as Bangladesh kept Zimbabwe from accelerating further.
In reply, Bangladesh struggled against Zimbabwe’s pace attack from the outset.
Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani shared eight wickets between them, with both claiming four wickets as the visitors’ chase never gained momentum.
Yasir Ali offered Bangladesh hope with a fighting 54 off 38 balls, including two fours and three sixes, but Ngarava removed him at a crucial stage to end any realistic hopes of a comeback.
Ngarava also dismissed Saif Hassan (12), Tanzid Hasan (16), and Mohammad Saifuddin (1), while Muzarabani accounted for Parvez Hossain Emon (5), Mahedi Hasan (19), Nasum Ahmed (2) and Nahid Rana (0).
Muzarabani was particularly impressive, conceding just 17 runs in his four overs, while Ngarava finished with 4/26.
Bangladesh lost wickets at regular intervals, with only Mahedi Hasan and Yasir Ali offering some resistance after the early collapse.
Zimbabwe will take confidence from a strong bowling display and a balanced batting effort as they take a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. The second match will be played at Queens Sports Club on Friday.
