Bangladesh fall short again as Zimbabwe wrap up ODI series

Zimbabwe completed an ODI series victory over Bangladesh with a 13-run win in the second match in Harare on Thursday, following up their 25-run success in the opening game.

After being asked to bat, Zimbabwe recovered from the early loss of Brian Bennett for a duck as Ben Curran produced a superb unbeaten 111 off 135 balls. His composed century laid the platform for the hosts, while Brad Evans provided the finishing touch with a blistering 58 not out from 38 deliveries, including five sixes. Zimbabwe closed on 247 for 6 in their 50 overs.

Bangladesh's bowlers kept things under control for long periods. Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the most economical, returning 2 for 32, while Taskin Ahmed also claimed two wickets. Nahid Rana and Rishad Hossain picked up one wicket apiece.

In reply, Bangladesh's chase never gathered enough momentum despite several useful contributions. Tanzid Hasan top-scored with 57, Towhid Hridoy anchored the innings with 60, while Nurul Hasan added 38. Mehidy Hasan Miraz made a fighting 27 lower down the order, but the visitors repeatedly lost wickets at crucial stages.

Bangladesh were well within reach before a middle-order collapse shifted the contest decisively in Zimbabwe's favour. Richard Ngarava led the bowling effort with 3 for 55, while Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans claimed two wickets each. Brian Bennett, Wessly Madhevere and Sikandar Raza chipped in with one wicket apiece as Bangladesh were bowled out for 234 in 48.1 overs, 13 runs short of the target.

The defeat highlighted Bangladesh's inability to turn promising starts into substantial partnerships. Four batters passed 25 and two reached half-centuries, yet none converted their innings into the match-winning knock the chase demanded.

Backed by Ben Curran's match-defining century and a composed bowling performance, Zimbabwe secured consecutive ODI victories over Bangladesh, sealing the series with one match to spare.