Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE A’s tour of Bangladesh ended with familiar frustrations yesterday as the visitors slipped to a four-wicket defeat against the Bangladesh Emerging side in Rajshahi, surrendering the three-match one-day series 2-0.
After rain washed out the second match without a ball being bowled, Zimbabwe A arrived at the decider with a chance to salvage pride.
Instead, the contest exposed the same shortcomings that had haunted them in the opening defeat.
There was enough batting to compete. There was not enough bowling discipline to finish the job.
Innocent Kaia produced a superb century, but Zimbabwe A’s total of 298 for nine never felt completely secure as Bangladesh chased it down with seven balls to spare, finishing on 301 for six.
Kaia was once again at the centre of Zimbabwe’s best work.
Opening alongside Matthew Campbell, he helped lay a strong platform with an 80-run first-wicket partnership from just 74 deliveries before Campbell departed for 34.
Kaia then combined with his brother and captain Roy Kaia in another productive stand worth 67 runs as Zimbabwe appeared on course for a total beyond 300.
The left-hander eventually made 103 from 110 balls before falling to Abdul Gaffar Saqlain, caught by Robiul Haque.
His dismissal proved costly.
Zimbabwe’s innings lost momentum during the closing overs as wickets fell regularly.
Ryan Burl offered resistance with a composed 50 off 54 deliveries, but Bangladesh tightened their grip once he was dismissed.
Khaled Ahmed led the hosts’ bowling effort with four wickets for 45 runs, while Saqlain claimed three for 67.
If Zimbabwe A had hoped their bowlers could defend a competitive total, Bangladesh’s openers quickly removed any doubt.
Shahadar Hasan and Amit Hassan raced to 122 without loss, giving the hosts complete control of the chase.
Hasan struck 54 from 50 balls, while Hassan anchored the innings with 80 from 84 deliveries.
From there, Bangladesh never looked under serious pressure.
Jaker Ali added 54, while Moin Khan’s unbeaten 43 and an undefeated 61 from Jaker ensured the chase was completed comfortably.
Faraz Akram was Zimbabwe’s most effective bowler with figures of three for 42, but the visitors struggled to maintain consistent lines and lengths throughout the innings.
The result leaves Zimbabwe A without a victory in the one-day series and facing renewed scrutiny over the readiness of players expected to challenge for senior national honours in the coming years.
Attention now shifts to the longer format, with two four-day matches scheduled for the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium from June 17 to 20 and June 24 to 27.
Several changes are expected for those fixtures, with Innocent Kaia, Roy Kaia, Tadiwanashe Marumani and Wessly Madhevere set to make way for Tanunurwa Makoni, Dion Myers, Munashe Chimusoro and Jonathan Campbell as Zimbabwe A attempt to find answers in red-ball cricket.
