Zimbabwe stun Bangladesh in low-scoring thriller as they take 1-0 ODI series lead

ASHLEY DUBE

HARARE – Zimbabwe produced one of their finest One Day International (ODI) fightbacks, defending just 141 runs to stun Bangladesh by 25 runs in a gripping contest at Harare Sports Club.

Newman Nyamhuri was named Player of the Match [Image: Zimbabwe Cricket]

After collapsing to 70 for 8, the hosts looked destined for a heavy defeat before Newman Nyamhuri and new ODI captain Richard Ngarava transformed the match with a defiant 63-run ninth-wicket partnership. Nyamhuri struck a career-best 33, while Ngarava chipped in with 27 to lift Zimbabwe to a competitive 141.

Bangladesh paceman Nahid Rana starred with sensational figures of 6-21, while Taskin Ahmed claimed 2-32, but Zimbabwe's lower order ensured the visitors had a target to chase.

The Chevrons then backed up their batting fight with a disciplined pace attack on a lively Harare surface.

Blessing Muzarabani struck early when Tanzid Hasan pulled straight to Nyamhuri at fine leg, the youngster completing a superb juggling catch while keeping his balance inside the boundary. Muzarabani struck again two overs later as Najmul Hossain Shanto sliced to Ben Curran at deep third, before Ngarava removed Soumya Sarkar, caught by Nyamhuri, to leave Bangladesh reeling at 17 for 3.

Towhid Hridoy (25) and Nurul Hasan (31) steadied the innings with a 49-run partnership, but Nyamhuri broke the stand when Hridoy flashed at a wide delivery and picked out Curran at deep third.

From 66 for 3, Bangladesh crumbled to 116 all out.

Nyamhuri then had Mosaddek Hossain caught behind before Brian Bennett produced a brilliant low catch at deep cover to dismiss Mehidy Hasan Miraz and hand Ngarava his second wicket. Ngarava fittingly wrapped up the innings to finish with 3-31, while Muzarabani and Brad Evans claimed two and three wickets respectively.

Earlier, Zimbabwe's innings had unravelled after an encouraging 36-run opening stand between Bennett and Curran.

Curran was run out for 18 by a direct hit from Mehidy Hasan Miraz before Taskin Ahmed dismissed Bennett for 17 and bowled Craig Ervine first ball with a beauty that jagged back to hit the top of middle stump.

Rana then ripped through the middle order, removing Sikandar Raza, caught behind Wessly Madhevere at second slip, Clive Madande at point, Innocent Kaia by the wicketkeeper and Brad Evans lbw before yorking Ngarava to complete his six-wicket haul.The best bowling figures by a Bangladeshi bowler in this format 

However, Zimbabwe refused to fold. Nyamhuri and Ngarava's determined stand not only rescued the innings but ultimately proved decisive as the Chevrons completed a memorable victory.