Ben Curran’s unbeaten century and a late onslaught from Brad Evans spoiled what had been a promising bowling effort from Bangladesh as Zimbabwe posted 247 for 6 in the second ODI of the three-match series at Harare Sports Club on Thursday.
After winning the toss and electing to field, Bangladesh made the perfect start. Taskin Ahmed struck twice with the new ball to reduce Zimbabwe to 8 for 2, before Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Nahid Rana picked up two more wickets to leave the hosts reeling at 66 for 4.
Curran then steadied the innings with a 68-run fifth-wicket partnership with Sikandar Raza. Miraz returned to dismiss Raza for 33, with Towhid Hridoy taking the catch. Soon after, Clive Madande edged a turning delivery from Rishad Hossain behind to wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan.
Curran and Evans then turned the momentum in Zimbabwe’s favour. Holding one end firm, the left-hander brought up his second ODI century, while Evans counterattacked at the other end. The all-rounder reached his second ODI fifty off 36 balls and finished unbeaten on 58 from 38 deliveries, smashing five sixes and two fours.
Bangladesh’s misery deepened in the final over as Evans took 22 runs off Taskin, hitting three sixes and a four. Curran remained unbeaten on 111*, guiding Zimbabwe to 247 for 6.
Taskin and Miraz claimed two wickets each, while Nahid Rana and Rishad Hossain picked up one apiece.
