Bangladesh ended their seven-match international losing streak with a seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the third and final ODI at Harare Sports Club on Saturday, avoiding a series whitewash after losing the first two matches.
The win meant Bangladesh finished the three-match series with a 2-1 deficit, but finally returned to winning ways after a difficult run.
After Shoriful Islam’s four-wicket haul restricted Zimbabwe to 199, an opening stand of 151 between Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Soumya Sarkar powered Bangladesh to the target with 84 balls to spare. Despite the win, Bangladesh lost the series 2-1.
Chasing 200, Bangladesh’s openers showed the positive intent that had been missing in the opening two matches. They reached 59 without loss in the powerplay before extending their partnership deep into the innings.
The pair added 151 for the opening wicket, Bangladesh’s highest opening partnership outside home in ODIs. They surpassed the previous record of 144 set by Soumya Sarkar and Tamim Iqbal against the West Indies in 2019.
Tanzid, who also became the 26th Bangladeshi batter to score 1,000 ODI runs during his innings, looked set for his second ODI century after surviving four chances. However, the left-hander fell for 94 off 101 balls, striking eight fours and three sixes before holing out to Brad Evans at long-on off Ernest Masuku.
Soumya reached his 15th ODI fifty before being bowled by Tanaka Chivanga for 69 from 82 deliveries, an innings featuring six fours and two sixes.
Towhid Hridoy departed without scoring after Tanzid’s dismissal, while captain Najmul Hossain Shanto remained unbeaten on 18 as Bangladesh sealed victory with seven wickets in hand.
Earlier, Zimbabwe lost their first three wickets for just 27 after being asked to bat.
Shoriful struck first by bowling Ben Curran, who had scored a century in the previous match. Taskin Ahmed then had Brian Bennett caught behind by Nurul Hasan Sohan before Shoriful removed Craig Ervine in similar fashion.
Innocent Kaia made 25 before Taskin returned for his second spell to dismiss him in the 27th over.
Although Sikandar Raza and Clive Madande failed to make significant contributions, Wessly Madhevere anchored the innings with 75. He was eventually deceived by Tanvir Islam’s turn and caught by Mehidy Hasan Miraz at cover.
Brad Evans then followed up his 58 off 38 balls in the previous ODI with another half-century, scoring 50 from 43 deliveries to lift Zimbabwe from 151 for 7 to a competitive total of 199.
Shoriful finished with figures of 4 for 44 from his 10 overs, including a maiden, while Taskin and Tanvir claimed two wickets apiece. Mohammad Saifuddin, replacing Mustafizur Rahman in the XI, impressed with the new ball and returned figures of 1 for 31 from 9.1 overs, including a maiden.
