Zimbabwe continued their resurgence in international cricket with a tense 13 run victory over Bangladesh in the second One Day International at Harare Sports Club, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three match series.
After recording a famous Test victory over Bangladesh only days earlier, the hosts once again demonstrated resilience under pressure as they successfully defended 247 to complete back to back series triumphs on home soil.
Ben Curran anchored Zimbabwe’s innings with a superb unbeaten 111, becoming only the seventh Zimbabwean batter to carry his bat through an entire 50 over innings. His composed knock provided the foundation for the hosts’ competitive total of 247 for six after they were asked to bat first.
Curran found valuable support from Brad Evans, whose unbeaten 58 ensured Zimbabwe recovered strongly after losing wickets in the middle overs. Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the pick of the visitors’ bowlers with two wickets for 32 runs.
Bangladesh appeared well placed to level the series after half centuries from Tanzid Hasan and Towhid Hridoy guided them to 169 for three during the chase. With wickets in hand and the required run rate under control, the visitors looked on course for victory.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers, however, produced another spirited fightback. Stand in captain Richard Ngarava inspired the turnaround with a decisive spell that triggered a dramatic collapse as Bangladesh lost seven wickets for just 65 runs.
The experienced left arm seamer finished with three wickets for 55 runs, removing key batters at crucial moments to swing the contest back in Zimbabwe’s favour. His final breakthrough, dismissing Mehidy Hasan Miraz, sparked jubilant celebrations among the home supporters as Bangladesh were bowled out for 234.
The victory capped another impressive all round performance from Zimbabwe, whose bowlers once again delivered under pressure after Curran had laid the platform with the bat.
The result continues Zimbabwe’s encouraging run against Asian opposition following their innings victory over Bangladesh in the one off Test, while also extending the momentum built from their earlier Test win over Afghanistan.
For Bangladesh, the defeat raises fresh concerns after another batting collapse undermined a promising position. Despite contributions from Hridoy and Tanzid, the visitors failed to withstand Zimbabwe’s disciplined pace attack when the pressure intensified.
Zimbabwe will now head into the final ODI looking to complete a clean sweep, buoyed by growing confidence and an increasingly settled side that has rediscovered its competitive edge on the international stage.
