Tri-series 2018 – BAN vs ZIM, 5th ODI, Review: Bangladesh continue their dominance with a 91-run victory

Bangladesh defeated Zimbabwe by 91 runs for the second time in the ongoing tri-nation series at Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. The visitors had to win this game to stay in contention for the finals and now have to pray that the hosts beat Sri Lanka as well perhaps with an even bigger margin. It was an opportunity missed for them after restricting the Tigers for a below-par total on a slow wicket. However, Bangladesh bowlers made the small total look like a mountain with an impeccable effort.

Earlier in the day, the home side won the toss and opted to bat first on a track which looked like a belter. They lost an early wicket as Anamul Haque was pinned in front by Kyle Jarvis. But then Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal assessed the pitch and played accordingly. Both made sure that they don’t throw away their wickets with the spinners of Zimbabwe chipping away with overs quickly. They added 106 runs for the second wicket in 25 overs and ensured the platform was set for the middle form to launch an assault.

However, Shakib lost his patience against Sikandar Raza and was stumped on 51 off 80 deliveries. Soon Graeme Cremer scalped Mushfiqur Rahim and Tamim which squandered all the advantage for the hosts. The wickets of the senior men created a panic in the camp of Bangladesh as they collapsed from there on. Cremer led from the front for his team as Zimbabwe looked elated after picking quick wickets. Eventually, they restricted their opponents on a score of 216/9 after 50 overs.

At one stage Bangladesh were struggling at 170/8 after being comfortably placed at 147/2 in the 35th over. Though the tail-enders added some crucial runs in the end and took the total past 200. Cremer picked 4 wickets conceding only 32 runs while Jarvis scalped three key wickets to support him.

Derailed chase

Zimbabwe had a great chance to win the match after restricting the hosts to a below-par total. But it was up to their top order to perform as the wicket wasn’t easy to play the shots. Shakib and the skipper Mashrafe Mortaza took the new ball and skittled the top four of the visitors which killed the chase completely in the first 10 overs itself. The huge blow was the wicket of Brendan Taylor who bagged a golden duck when his knock would’ve mattered the most for his team.

Sikandar Raza, as usual, tried to stay at one end and stitched a few partnerships but they never threatened to chase down the total. The score which read 34/4 in the 10th over hardly moved with the bowlers constantly keeping the lid on the run-scoring. Only Raza found ways to score runs and captain Cremer played a breezy knock to ignite a glimmer of hope in their camp. Though the writing was on the wall for them and were eventually bowled out only for 125 in the 37th over.

It was a collective effort from Bangladesh bowlers with Shakib picking three wickets. The trio of Mortaza, Mustafizur Rahman and Sunzamul Islam scalped a couple each to cap off an excellent victory to extend their dominion even further in the series. Tamim Iqbal was awarded Man of the Match for his calm hand of 76 runs with the bat while opening the innings.

Zimbabwe are now hanging by a thread and would be watching the last game of the league stages between the home team and Sri Lanka. The margin of defeat will also matter now which makes things interesting ahead of the final.

Brief Scores

Bangladesh 216/9 after 50 overs (T Iqbal 76, S Hasan 51; G Cremer 4/32, K Jarvis 3/42)

Zimbabwe 125 after 36.3 overs (S Raza 39; S Hasan 3/34, M Rahman 2/16)

Result: Bangladesh won by 91 runs

Man of the Match: Tamim Iqbal

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