Zimbabwe drew first blood in the three-match T20I series
with a commanding 32-run victory over Bangladesh at the Queen’s Sports Club.
Backed by a disciplined bowling performance and key contributions with the bat,
the hosts successfully defended a competitive total to take a 1-0 lead in the
series.
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| Image Credits: Cricinfo |
Sent in to bat first, Zimbabwe recovered well from early
losses to post 170/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Opener Brian Bennett set a
blistering tone with a rapid 44 off 30 balls, smashing six boundaries and a
six. Middle-order batsman Ryan Burl anchored the later phase with a solid,
unbeaten 30 off 25 deliveries, while late fireworks from Brad Evans helped push
the score past the 150-mark. Bangladesh's breakout paceman Nahid Rana was the
pick of the visitors' attack, claiming a stellar 4/26 despite leaking 18 runs
in a chaotic final over.
In reply, Bangladesh’s chase faltered early under relentless
pressure from the Zimbabwean pace duo. Player of the Match Richard Ngarava tore
through the top order, bagging 4/26, while Blessing Muzarabani was equally
lethal, returning exceptional figures of 4/17. Middle-order batsman Yasir Ali
offered a spirited fightback for the visitors with a well-compiled half-century
(54 off 38 balls), keeping Bangladesh in the hunt via a 52-run partnership with
Mahedi Hasan.
However, once the stand was broken and Ngarava removed Yasir, Bangladesh's lower order completely collapsed, losing their final five wickets for a mere eight runs. The visitors were bundled out for 138 in 19 overs, handing Zimbabwe a comprehensive opening win.
