Zimbabwe produced a remarkable fightback in Harare, defending a modest total of 141 to beat Bangladesh by 25 runs in a bowler dominated ODI.
Newman Nyamhuri was the standout performer for the home side, making an important all round contribution. Coming in at No. 9 with Zimbabwe struggling at 70 for 8, he scored a career best 33 and helped give his team something to defend. His partnership with Richard Ngarava proved decisive, as the pair added 63 runs for the ninth wicket.
Ngarava, captaining Zimbabwe in an ODI for the first time, also played a key role. He made 27 with the bat before returning figures of 3 for 31, including the final wicket of the match.
Bangladesh had earlier looked in control through Nahid Rana, who delivered a brilliant spell of fast bowling. His 6 for 21 became the best ODI bowling figures by a Bangladesh player, but his effort was not enough to prevent defeat.
Chasing 142, Bangladesh made a poor start and slipped to 17 for 3. Towhid Hridoy and Nurul Hasan then steadied the innings with a 49 run stand, but Nyamhuri broke that partnership by removing Hridoy for 25. From 66 for 3, Bangladesh collapsed badly, losing their last seven wickets for just 50 runs.
Nyamhuri also impressed in the field, taking two catches, including a smart effort near the fine leg boundary. Zimbabwe’s seamers made full use of the pace and bounce on offer, with no spin being used during Bangladesh’s innings.
Nurul top scored with 31, but Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 116. Rana’s record spell gave Bangladesh hope, but Zimbabwe’s lower order resistance and disciplined fast bowling turned the match into a memorable victory.
