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Collapse costs Bangladesh the series
Hope flickered through a resilient middle-order stand, but when the moment demanded composure, Bangladesh collapsed into familiar chaos. Another fragile batting display handed Zimbabwe a memorable series victory, exposing the Tigers' inability to finish what they had rebuilt.
After another disappointing batting collapse, Bangladesh suffered a 13-run defeat to Zimbabwe in the second ODI at Harare Sports Club on Thursday, conceding the three-match series with one game still to play.
Chasing a modest target of 248, Bangladesh looked firmly on course thanks to an 84-run third-wicket partnership between Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Towhid Hridoy. However, the innings unraveled dramatically after their dismissals, as the visitors lost their last five wickets for just 28 runs to be bowled out for 234 in 49.1 overs.
The defeat also marked Bangladesh's second consecutive ODI series loss on Zimbabwean soil.
Bangladesh's chase began on a shaky note as Soumya Sarkar departed for 13 before skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto also fell inside the powerplay. Tamim and Hridoy then steadied the innings, rebuilding with maturity and patience.
Tamim brought up his half-century before scoring 57 off 70 balls, but his dismissal to Brian Bennett triggered another collapse. Hridoy continued to anchor the chase with a composed 60 from 90 deliveries, while Nurul Hasan Sohan contributed a valuable 38 off 41 balls.
With 57 runs needed from the final 10 overs and five wickets still in hand, Bangladesh appeared to have the upper hand. Instead, Hridoy, Mosaddek Hossain, Sohan and Rishad Hossain all fell in quick succession, allowing Zimbabwe to wrest back control.
Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz fought until the end with 25 off 28 balls, but his dismissal on the opening delivery of the 49th over sealed Bangladesh's fate.
Earlier, Zimbabwe recovered brilliantly after an early collapse to post 247 for 6 after being sent in to bat.
Taskin Ahmed gave Bangladesh the perfect start by clean bowling Brian Bennett in the opening over before the visitors also removed Innocent Kaia and Craig Ervine. However, Ben Curran, who survived an early chance, produced a magnificent unbeaten 111 from 135 deliveries to anchor the innings.
He found the perfect partner in Brad Evans, whose explosive 58 off just 38 balls lifted Zimbabwe to a competitive total. Their unbroken 99-run stand added 60 runs in the final five overs, shifting the momentum decisively in the hosts' favour.
Taskin finished with two wickets, while Nahid Rana and Miraz claimed one each.
Bangladesh had already been bowled out for just 116 in the series opener, and another disappointing batting performance ensured there would be no comeback. Zimbabwe wrapped up the series 2-0 with a match to spare, leaving Bangladesh searching for answers after back-to-back batting failures.
-HIS
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Online: 41053014; 01550707296 Advertisement: 41053012; 01550707291
E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]
