Myers’ 73 lifts Zimbabwe to fighting 143 against Bangladesh

Bongani Ndlovu, Zimpapers Sports Hub

Dion Myers struck a composed 73 to rescue Zimbabwe from a middle-order wobble and guide the hosts to 143 for seven in their 20 overs against Bangladesh in the deciding T20 International at Queens Sports Club on Sunday.

The right-hander anchored the innings with an assured knock off 53 deliveries, striking seven fours and two sixes, while Brian Bennett continued his fine form at the top of the order with 47 from 38 balls.

Zimbabwe, however, suffered another batting collapse after appearing well set for a much bigger total.

After Tadiwanashe Marumani departed for four in the second over, Bennett and Myers rebuilt the innings with a 71-run second-wicket partnership that steadied the hosts following the early setback.

Bennett looked in fluent touch, peppering the boundary with eight fours before Mohammad Saifuddin broke the stand by dismissing him for 47, just three runs shy of a deserved half-century. Zimbabwe were well placed at 77 for two after 11 overs.

Myers continued to accumulate runs, but wickets at regular intervals prevented Zimbabwe from accelerating in the closing overs.

Captain Sikandar Raza endured another disappointing outing with the bat, managing just three runs before he was caught by Yasir Ali off Rishad Hossain.

Ryan Burl contributed seven before falling to Abdul Gaffar Saqlain, while Brad Evans was run out for one in a mix-up as Bangladesh tightened the screws.

The collapse worsened when Clive Madande was caught behind for a first-ball duck, leaving Zimbabwe on 131 for six.

Myers and Milton Shumba tried to push Zimbabwe towards a competitive total, but the dismissal of the former in the final over left the hosts with 143 for seven.

Shumba remained unbeaten on four, while Tinotenda Maposa faced one delivery without scoring.

For Bangladesh, Mohammad Saifuddin was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets for 35 runs, while Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain and Abdul Gaffar Saqlain picked up one wicket each.

Taskin Ahmed was the most economical of the Bangladesh attack, finishing with impressive figures of none for 16 from his four overs.

Zimbabwe will now rely on their experienced pace attack of Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani to defend the total and secure victory in the series decider.