Zimbabwe will take on Bangladesh in the second ODI of the three-match series at the Harare Sports Club on July 9, with the hosts looking to seal the series after a memorable win in the opener.
The first ODI turned into a gripping low-scoring contest as Zimbabwe successfully defended a modest total of 141, bowling Bangladesh out for just 116 to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Batting first, Zimbabwe endured a difficult start as Bangladesh’s pace attack ripped through the top order. However, the lower order staged a remarkable recovery, with Newman Nyamhuri remaining unbeaten on 33 off 51 balls and captain Richard Ngarava contributing a crucial 27 to help the hosts post 141.
Bangladesh’s chase never gained momentum as wickets fell at regular intervals. Nurul Hasan top-scored with 31 off 44 balls, but the visitors were bundled out in 33 overs. Richard Ngarava and Brad Evans starred with the ball, claiming three wickets each to script Zimbabwe’s impressive victory.
With the series on the line, Bangladesh will need a much-improved batting performance to force a decider, while Zimbabwe will be eager to continue their winning momentum and wrap up the series.
Probable Playing XIs
Zimbabwe:
BJ Curran, Brian Bennett, Innocent Kaia, Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza, Wessly Madhevere, Clive Madande (wk), Brad Evans, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava (c), Newman Nyamhuri
Bench: Tadiwanashe Marumani, Ryan Burl, Wellington Masakadza, Eddie Masuku
Bangladesh:
Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Nurul Hasan (wk), Mahidul Islam Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana
Bench: Saif Hassan, Tanvir Islam, Shoriful Islam
