Zimbabwe continued their remarkable run with a thrilling 25 run victory over Bangladesh in Harare, securing an unassailable 2 nil lead in the three match ODI series. The hosts successfully defended 247 after producing a disciplined bowling display under pressure, delighting the home supporters with one of their finest recent performances.
Ben Curran laid the platform with an outstanding unbeaten 111, becoming only the seventh Zimbabwe batter to remain at the crease for the full 50 overs in an ODI innings. Showing tremendous patience and control, he accumulated runs through smart placement rather than power, striking nine boundaries while guiding Zimbabwe through difficult batting conditions. His efforts were strengthened by Sikandar Raza, who contributed a steady 33, before Brad Evans changed the momentum late in the innings. Arriving at number eight, Evans blasted an unbeaten 58, including five sixes, with three coming in the final over to push Zimbabwe to a competitive total.
Bangladesh looked comfortable during the chase after Tanzid Hasan scored a fluent 57 from 70 deliveries and Towhid Hridoy added 60 from 90 balls. At 169 for 3, the visitors appeared well positioned to level the series. However, Zimbabwe’s bowlers produced a superb fightback, triggering a dramatic collapse that saw Bangladesh lose seven wickets for just 65 runs.
Captain Richard Ngarava led from the front with three crucial wickets, including the match and series sealing dismissal of Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans each claimed two wickets, while Zimbabwe’s pace attack consistently extracted extra bounce to trouble the batters as the pitch slowed.
The victory highlighted Zimbabwe’s resilience in both departments. Curran’s composed century provided the foundation, Evans supplied the late acceleration, and the bowlers held their nerve when the contest reached its defining moments. Bangladesh will now look to avoid a series whitewash in the final ODI, while Zimbabwe can celebrate a memorable achievement on home soil.
