ZCZC
BSP-28
CRICKET-BD-ZIM-LEAD
Openers shine as Tigers clinch ODI series in style
CHATTOGRAM, Oct 24, 2018 (BSS) – Openers shine as Tigers clinched the
three-match ODI series with one match in hand beating visiting Zimbabwe by
seven-wicket in the second ODI held on Wednesday at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury
Stadium.
Chasing a winning target of 247 runs set by Zimbabwe, Liton Das took on
the Zimbabwe bowlers while Imrul Kayes, too, kept the score ticking at a very
good rate as Bangladesh coasted comfortably making 250 for 3 with 35 balls to
spare.
The two openers gave Bangladesh a solid start contributing 148-run for the
opening stand. Opener Liton completed his maiden half century as he blasted
77-ball off 83 runs hitting 12 boundaries and one over boundary before fell
to Sikandar Raza.
Imrul Kayes, the hero of the Bangladesh’s victory in the first match,
continued his prolific form in the second match and again shared another 59-
run for the second wicket stand with Mushfiqur Rahim to take Bangladesh
closer to the victory.
The left handed batsman composed 90-run off 111-ball with the help of
seven boundaries before he fell victim of nervous ninety off Sikandar Raza
delivery.
Mushfiqur Rahim and Mohammad Mithun completed the remaining formality to
remain unbeaten with 40 and 24 runs respectively.
Sikandar Raza captured all the three Bangladesh’s wickets conceding 43
runs.
Mohammad Saifuddin was named the player of the match for his impressive
bowling performance. Earlier, wicket keeper batsman Brendan Taylor’s
responsible half century and Sikandar Raza’s timely knock in the middle
helped Zimbabwe to post a decent total of 246 for 7 from their allotted 50
overs, after they forced to bat first by Bangladesh.
The right handed wicket keeper batsman Taylor scored 75 runs off 73 balls
hitting nine boundaries and during the process he involved two important
partnerships – 52 runs with Cephas Zhuwao (20) for the second wicket stand
and 77 with Sean Williams (47) for the third wicket stand to take the team
total to a comfortable position after Saifuddin brought early breakthrough
for Bangladesh sending back to skipper Hamilton Masakadza for 14.
When the duo were snatching the momentum from Bangladesh, Mahmudullah made
the breakthrough for Bangladesh again dismissing set batsman Taylor trapping
him leg before wicket .
Saifuddin scalped his second wicket haul taking the wicket of Williams to
bring Bangladesh again in match. Williams played a patient knock of 47 runs
off 76 balls laced with two boundaries before giving a back catch to wicket
keeper Mushfiqur Rahim.
Sikandar Raza, who was deprived one run short from half century, looked
solid with bat as he tried to revive Zimbabwe innings again contributing 41
runs for the fifth wicket stand with Williams before he perished to Mashrafe
Bin Mortaza. Sikandar hit three boundaries and two over boundaries during his
61-ball stay on the crease.
After the departure of Sikandar, the tail enders failed to accelerate the
run rate and eventually the Bangladesh bowlers restricted Zimbabwe to a
moderate total.
Saifuddin was the pick of Bangladesh bowler as he claimed three Zimbabwe’s
wickets conceding 45 runs. The third and final match between the two sides
will be on Friday (October 26) at the same venue.
Brief score:
Zimbabwe – 246 for 7 in 50 overs, Taylor 75, Sikandar 49, Williams 47,
Cephas Zhuwao 20, Moor 17, Saifuddin 3/45.
Bangladesh – 250 for 3 in 44.1 overs, Kayes 90, Liton 83 Mushfiq 40 n.o,
Mithun 24 n.o, Raza 3/43.
BSS/SG/FI/2246 hrs