Bangladesh slump to 13-run defeat against Zimbabwe, concede ODI series
Despite recovering to 122/2 in pursuit of 248, Bangladesh suffered a dramatic batting collapse, losing their last eight wickets for just 112 runs as Zimbabwe secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.
Highlights:
- Bangladesh collapse hands Zimbabwe unassailable ODI series lead
- Ben Curran's unbeaten century anchors Zimbabwe's 247-run total
- Bangladesh lose last eight wickets for just 112 runs
- Brian Bennett claims maiden ODI wicket with Tanzid dismissal
- Fourth straight ODI series-winning streak ends in Zimbabwe
Bangladesh yesterday (9 July) threw away a promising run chase to lose by 13 runs against Zimbabwe in the second One Day International in Harare today, conceding the three-match series with one game still to play.
Chasing 248, Bangladesh recovered from early setbacks to reach 122/2 and appeared well on course for victory. However, a stunning batting collapse saw them lose their remaining eight wickets for 112 runs, handing Zimbabwe an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
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The third and final ODI, also in Harare, will be played the day after Saturday.
After being asked to bat first, Zimbabwe lost opener Brian Bennett in the opening over but rebuilt through Ben Curran, who anchored the innings with an unbeaten 111 off 135 balls – his second ODI century.
Curran shared a 68-run fifth-wicket partnership with Sikandar Raza before continuing to hold the innings together after Raza's dismissal. Zimbabwe's total received a late boost from Brad Evans, who smashed an unbeaten 58 off 38 deliveries, including three sixes in Taskin Ahmed's final over, which yielded 22 runs. Zimbabwe eventually posted 247.
Bangladesh's chase got off to a shaky start as they slipped to 38/2. Tanzid Hasan and Towhid Hridoy then revived the innings with an 84-run partnership for the third wicket.
Tanzid looked comfortable against Zimbabwe's pace attack before being bowled by Brian Bennett for 57 off 70 balls. The wicket was Bennett's first in ODIs, coming in his 12th match.
Hridoy also failed to convert a solid start into a match-winning innings. He made 60 from 90 balls before departing, triggering Bangladesh's collapse as the middle and lower order offered little resistance.
Nurul Hasan and captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz briefly kept Bangladesh's hopes alive, but neither could guide the visitors home. Nurul scored 38 off 41 balls before falling, while Miraz was the last batter dismissed after making 27 from 33 deliveries, caught off Richard Ngarava.
The defeat ended Bangladesh's run of four consecutive ODI series victories, while Zimbabwe celebrated their first home ODI series win over the visitors in years.
