Bangladesh Emerging Team clinched the one-day series against Zimbabwe A with a four-wicket victory in the third and final match in Rajshahi on Saturday, completing a 2-0 series win after the second fixture was washed out by rain.
Chasing 300, Bangladesh reached their target with 12 balls to spare, powered by a dominant opening stand and a composed late partnership that made what looked a stiff chase appear comfortable by the end.
Zimbabwe A had posted 299 after being put in to bat, with Innocent Kaiya anchoring their innings superbly. The former Zimbabwe international batted with control and authority, striking five fours and six sixes in a 110-ball century before being dismissed in the 38th over for 103. Matthew Campbell gave Zimbabwe a fast start at the top, contributing 42 off 37 balls in an opening stand of 82, before off-spinner Moin Khan broke the partnership. Ryan Burl added further substance lower down, making 50 off 54 balls with four fours and a six to help the visitors push close to 300.
Bangladesh’s response was built on the opening partnership of Shahadat Hossain Dipu and Amit Hasan, who put on 122 runs to set the chase on firm foundations. Dipu made 54 off 50 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes before falling to a loose shot off Vincent Masekesa in the 18th over. Amit continued to build, threatening a century before being dismissed for 80 off 84 balls, which included nine fours.
Yasir Ali Rabbi chipped in with 22 at number three, but the innings wobbled briefly when captain Zakir Hasan departed for a duck and Samiun Bashir Ratul added only 12. The responsibility then fell to Jaker Ali Anik, who combined with Moin for a sixth-wicket stand of 82 off 72 balls to put the result beyond doubt. Moin made 43 off 36 balls before departing, while Jaker remained unbeaten on 61 off 75 balls, striking seven fours to see Bangladesh home with ease.
The pick of the bowlers was experienced pacer Syed Khaled Ahmed, who claimed four wickets for 45 runs to restrict Zimbabwe’s total. Abdur Ghaffar Saklain took three for 67.
With the one-day series concluded, the two sides will now turn their attention to a two-match four-day series, with the first match scheduled to begin at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on 17 June.
