Bangladesh survive collapse

A late flurry of wickets was not enough to prevent Bangladesh from securing a 3-1 series victory over Zimbabwe.

The margin of victory was just one wicket in the end, after six wickets went down for 33. The last pair needed just three, and Abdur Razzak held his nerve, driving part-timer Justice Chibhabha for the winning runs.

Before the flurry came, Bangladesh looked to have it sewn up. A partnership of 132 between Aftab Ahmed and Mushfiqur Rahim looked to have done enough. Ahmed was able to contribute more than a dashing cameo this time, he hung around 77 balls for 92. Playing his natural game, he launched sixes all around the game, though he was let off a couple of times. He was eventually given out lbw, though the ball was most likely going over the top.

Rahim scored 57, his first ODI half-century. He was more reserved than his partner, with 57 taking 95 balls, but his rash thinking began the collapse. He was stumped charging Utseya, and Saqibul Hasan soon followed for 25. Tushar Imran and Tapash Baisya both succumbed to Chris Mpofu, while Rainsford accounted for Mashrafe Mortaza. The ninth wicket go was Habibul Bashar, unfortunate to be run out as Razzak’s drive was deflected onto the stumps by Mpofu. Then it was down to the last pair.

Put in to bat earlier, Zimbabwe had made a solid 244. Mashrafe Mortaza struck twice early on, but from there Sean Williams and Chibhabha rebuilt. Both made scores in the fifties at a steady pace before falling to spin. Zimbabwe lost a couple more quick wickets, before Elton Chigumbura boosted them to a respectable score.

He took on the bowling, launching seven sixes in the dying overs. He scored 77 from 57 balls, with minimal support, and without his innings Zimbabwe would have had no chance of winning. As it was, they would narrowly lose and lose the series 3-1 and it’s been a series neither them nor Bangladesh will be too pleased with.

Zimbabwe 244-8
Elton Chigumbura 77*, Justice Chibhabha 54, Sean Williams 51
Mashrafe Mortaza 3-52

Bangladesh 246-9
Aftab Ahmed 92, Mushfiqur Rahim 57
Chris Mpofu 3-52, Ed Rainsford 2-41, Anthony Ireland 2-51

Bangladesh win by one wicket and win the series 3-1

Cricket Web Player of the Match : Aftab Ahmed