Bangladesh beat Zimbabwe in a thrilling encounter to seal the series

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Bangladesh held on to their nerves to defeat Zimbabwe by 4 runs in the 2nd One day international match played at Sylhet International Ground played on Tuesday.

Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza won the toss and decided to bat first. The experienced Tamim Iqbal was in cracking form playing aggressive strokes. On the other hand, Liton Das played good strokes before being run out by Mumba for 9. Bangladesh openers added 38 runs in 6.3 overs. Tamim made the batting look easy and created pressure on Zimbabwe bowlers. At the end of 10 overs, Bangladesh raced to 65 for 1.

Soon after the power play overs, Najmul Hossain Shanto was run out cheaply. The experienced duo of Tamim and Mushfiqur Rahim looked in imperious touch playing with positive intent. Tamim reached his fifty off 42 balls while Rahim impressed with his stroke play reaching his half-century off 47 balls. As things looked dangerous for Zimbabwe, Madhevere broke the partnership dismissing Rahim for 55. Rahim and Tamim added 87 runs for the 3rd wicket. Tamim increased the scoring rate with some big hits putting pressure on Zimbabwe bowlers and reached his century off 106 balls. After scoring his century, he was in big hitting mood along with Mahmudullah. Tshuma struck for Zimbabwe dismissing Mahmudullah for a superb 41. Mahmudullah and Tamim added 106 runs for the 4th wicket. Tamim showed his domination and completed his 150 off 132 balls. He was finally dismissed for a superb 158. With his score of 158, Tamim Iqbal surpassed his highest score by a Bangladesh batsman in ODIs.

Mohammad Mithun was superb with his stroke play with a quickfire 32 off 18 balls. In the final few overs, Zimbabwe bowlers made a good comeback. Bangladesh posted 322 for 8 in 50 overs.

In reply to 323 runs to win, it was not an ideal start for Zimbabwe as Regis Chakabva was dismissed cheaply by Taijul Islam for 2. Kamunhukamwe played some lovely strokes and put some pressure on Bangladesh bowlers. Before the end of power play overs, Brendon Taylor was run out with a flick throw by Mehidy Hasan Miraz. At the end of 10 overs, Zimbabwe were 49 for 2.

After the power play overs, stand in captain Sean Williams was dismissed cheaply to leave Zimbabwe at 67 for 3. Tinashe Kamunhukamwe reached his fifty off 64 balls and got out after reaching his fifty. Sikander Raza and Wesley Madhevere were superb with their stroke play taking on Bangladesh bowlers. Both rotated the strike and hit boundaries. Madhevere reached his fifty off 56 balls while Raza too reached his half-century off 48 balls to allow Zimbabwe a comeback. Taijul Islam struck the important blow dismissing Madhevere for 52. Madhevere and Raza added 81 runs for the 5th wicket. Mutumbami and Sikander Raza fell in quick succession to leave Zimbabwe at 225 for 7 in 42nd over.

Donald Tiripano was simply sensational with his big hitting power and kept the Zimbabwe hopes of winning the match alive. Mutombodzi hit lovely shots to put Bangladesh bowlers under pressure. With 34 runs required off 2 overs, both these batsmen took 14 runs off Shafiul Islam bowling.

With 20 runs required off final over, Al Amin Hossain gave away 2 runs off the first two balls. He then dismissed Mutombodzi for 34. Tiripano and Mutombodzi added 80 runs for the 8th wicket. Tiripano hit 2 sixes off next two balls and reached his fifty off 26 balls. With 6 runs required off 2 balls, Al Amin held his nerves to win the match by 4 runs to win the series.

Bangladesh 322 for 8 in 50 overs (Tamim Iqbal 158, Mushfiqur Rahim 55, Tiripano 2/55) beat Zimbabwe 318 for 8 in 50 overs (Sikander Raza 66, Tiripano 55*, Taijul Islam 3/52) by 4 runs.

For his superb 158 off 136 balls, Tamim Iqbal was awarded the man of the match.

 

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