Sports Reporter :
Bangladesh clinched the Twenty20 International (T20I) series 2-1 against Zimbabwe after defeating the hosts by five wickets in the third and final T20I at Harare Sports Club Ground in Zimbabwe on Sunday.
Chasing Zimbabwe’s massive total of 193 for the loss of six wickets in the stipulated 20 overs, Bangladesh coasted home making 194 for the loss of five wickets only when they had four balls to spare.
Bangladesh made an unhappy start with opener Mohammad Naim (3) being caught at the mid-off by Luke Jongwe off Muzarabani when the tourists’ score was 20.
Then opener Soumya Sarkar and Shakib Al Hasan mended the innings contributing together 50 runs for the second wicket partnership before Shakib Al Hasan was caught at the long-off by substitute TK Masakadza off Jongwe when Bangladesh’s total was 70 for the loss of two wickets.
Shakib Al Hasan scored 25 from 13 balls featuring two sixes and one four.
After Shakib’s departure, Soumya Sarkar and Mahmudullah Riyad made a worthy partnership as they put on together 63 runs in the three-wicket stand before Soumya was caught at the long-off by substitute TK Masakadza off Jongwe when the visitors’ score was 133 for the loss of three wickets.
Soumya hit a superb 68. His 49-ball innings saw nine fours and a sixer. It was Soumya’s fifth T20I half-century. Soumya was adjudged the Man of the Match and was also awarded Man of the Series for his outstanding performance.
After Soumya’s dismissal, Afif Hossain (14) was bowled out by Wellington Masakadza when the tourists’ total was 150 for the loss of four wickets.
Then Riyad and promising Shamim Hossain added together 37 runs for the fifth wicket stand before Riyad was caught behind by wicketkeeper Regis Chakabva off Muzarabani when Bangladesh’s score was 187 for the loss of five wickets.
Riyad played a captain’s knock of 34. His 28-ball innings was ornamented with two fours and a sixer.
After Riyad’s departure, promising Shamim Hossain got a good support from Nurul Hasan and they guided their team to reach the winning spot.
Shamim remained unbeaten with 31. His 15-ball innings was decorated with six fours.
Muzarabani and Jongwe bagged two wickets each conceding 27 and 42 runs respectively.
Zimbabwe had a good start as openers Tadiwanashe Marumani and Wessley Madhevere put on together 63 runs in the opening stand before Marumani (27) was bowled out by Mohammad Saifuddin.
After Maruman’s dismissal, Madhevere and Regis Chakabha added together 59 runs for the second wicket partnership before Chakabva was caught at the deep midwicket by Shamim Hossain off Soumya Sarkar when Zimbabwe’s total was 122 for the loss of two wickets.
Chakabva made 48 from 22 balls featuring six fours.
Second-down Sikandar Raza arrived at the crease, but he could stay there for a short period as Soumya Sarkar dismissed him for naught when the hosts’ score was 125 for the loss of three wickets.
Madhevere was caught at the short third man by Shoriful Islam off Shakib Al Hasan when the home side’s total was 146 for the loss of four wickets.
Madhevere hit a fine 54 from 36 balls including six fours.
Third-down Dion Myers (23) was caught at the deep square leg by Afif Hossain off Shoriful Islam when the African side’s score was 175 for the loss of five wickets.
Ryan Burl remained unbeaten with 31.
Soumya Sarkar captured two wickets at the cost of 19 runs.
Shakib Al Hasan, Shoriful Islam and Mohammad Saifuddin took one wicket each for 24, 27 and 50 runs respectively.
