Bangladesh will need 144 runs to win the third and final T20I and clinch the series against Zimbabwe after the hosts posted 143 for 7 at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Sunday.
After electing to bat first, Zimbabwe were powered by Dion Myers’ 73 and Brian Bennett’s 47. However, Bangladesh’s bowlers produced an impressive effort, particularly at the death, to keep the total in check.
Zimbabwe lost opener Tadiwanashe Marumani in the second over when Yasir Ali held a catch off Sheikh Mahedi Hasan. Bennett and Myers then added 71 runs for the second wicket before Mohammad Saifuddin broke the stand with a pinpoint yorker that bowled Bennett.
Captain Sikandar Raza, playing a record 314th international match for Zimbabwe, was dismissed for 14 as the hosts slipped to 103 for 3. Ryan Burl and Brad Evans also failed to make significant contributions.
Myers carried the innings, remaining Zimbabwe’s standout batter with a 53-ball 73, an innings featuring seven fours and two sixes before becoming the final wicket to fall.
Bangladesh’s bowlers were particularly effective in the closing stages, conceding just 25 runs while taking four wickets in the final four overs. Saifuddin finished with two wickets, while Taskin Ahmed and Rishad Hossain also played key roles in restricting the hosts.
