Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo
RICHARD Ngarava produced a match-winning spell to guide Zimbabwe to a convincing 32-run victory over Bangladesh in the opening Twenty20 International at Queens Sports Club on Wednesday, earning the Player of the Match award for his outstanding bowling performance.
The left-arm fast bowler claimed four wickets for 26 runs as Zimbabwe successfully defended their total of 170 for 6, dismantling Bangladesh’s batting line-up and helping the Chevrons take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Ngarava’s most important contribution came when he dismissed Bangladesh’s top scorer Yasir Ali, who had threatened to revive the visitors’ chase with a fighting 54 off 38 balls.
With Bangladesh needing a late surge after losing wickets at regular intervals, Yasir had kept their hopes alive with an aggressive innings that included two fours and three sixes. However, Ngarava returned at a crucial stage to remove the right-hander for 54, effectively ending Bangladesh’s chances of pulling off a successful chase.
The wicket was part of a brilliant all-round display from Zimbabwe’s pace attack, with Ngarava and fellow fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani sharing eight wickets between them as Bangladesh were bowled out for 138 in 18.6 overs.
Ngarava also dismissed Saif Hassan (12), Tanzid Hasan (16) and Mohammad Saifuddin (1) to complete his second four-wicket haul in T20 internationals.
His ability to generate extra bounce and maintain accuracy proved difficult for Bangladesh’s batters, particularly on a Queens Sports Club surface where Zimbabwe’s tall fast bowlers created constant pressure.
The Player of the Match award capped another impressive performance from Ngarava, who has been one of Zimbabwe’s leading bowlers across formats during Bangladesh’s tour.
