DHAKA – Zimbabwe stormed to an impressive 8-wicket victory over Bangladesh in a pulsating T20I encounter at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. The match, part of Zimbabwe’s 2024 tour of Bangladesh, showcased a dominant batting display from the visitors, who chased down the target with ease.
Bangladesh’s Inconsistent Batting Display
Electing to bowl first, Zimbabwe’s decision paid dividends as Bangladesh’s batting lineup struggled to find consistency. Tanzid Hasan and Soumya Sarkar departed early, leaving the hosts reeling at 9/2. Shanto steadied the ship with a valuable 36 runs, while Mahmudullah top-scored with a defiant 54. However, a flurry of wickets in the middle overs restricted Bangladesh to a modest 157/6.
Zimbabwe’s Disciplined Bowling Effort
Zimbabwe’s bowlers, led by the accurate Muzarabani and the crafty Brian Bennett, applied relentless pressure on Bangladesh’s batsmen. Both bowlers claimed two wickets apiece, while Raza, Masakadza, and Jongwe chipped in with one wicket each. Their ability to maintain a tight line and length, along with variations in pace, proved to be the key to Bangladesh’s downfall.
Bennett and Raza’s Batting Masterclass
Chasing 158 for victory, Zimbabwe’s opening pair of Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani started cautiously. However, Bennett soon found his rhythm, smashing five boundaries and five sixes on his way to a brilliant 70 runs.
Despite losing Marumani early, Bennett found an able partner in Sikandar Raza, who played an equally scintillating knock. Raza’s unbeaten 72, studded with six boundaries and four sixes, sealed the deal for Zimbabwe in emphatic fashion.
Bangladesh’s Bowling Struggles
Bangladesh’s bowlers toiled in vain against the rampant Zimbabwean batting duo. Mohammad Saifuddin was the most expensive, conceding 55 runs, while Mahedi Hasan also leaked runs at an alarming rate. Shakib Al Hasan provided a brief respite, claiming a wicket for just nine runs, but his efforts were ultimately in vain.
A Comprehensive Victory for Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s eight-wicket victory was a testament to their all-round performance. Their bowlers restricted Bangladesh to a below-par total, and their batsmen chased it down with clinical precision. The win will undoubtedly boost their confidence as they continue their tour of Bangladesh.
Key Turning Points
- Zimbabwe’s Disciplined Bowling: Their ability to pick up wickets at regular intervals kept Bangladesh from posting a daunting total.
- Bennett and Raza’s Dominance: Their exceptional partnership took the game away from Bangladesh, leaving them with no chance of a comeback.
- Bangladesh’s Bowling Woes: The bowlers struggled to contain the Zimbabwean batsmen, particularly Bennett and Raza.
Key Statistics:
- Zimbabwe: 158/2 (18.3 overs)
- Bangladesh: 157 all out (20 overs)
- Player of the Match: Brian Bennett (Zimbabwe)
A Promising Series Ahead
This victory marks a strong end for Zimbabwe in their tour of Bangladesh, which is already won by Bangladesh.