An improved performance was expected from the hosts in the 2nd ODI, and we had a match which was anything but one sided.
Opting to Bat, Zimbabwe lost two quick wickets inside the first six overs. Regis Chakabva was promoted at no.3 who stitched a decent partnership of 47 runs for the 4th wicket with his captain before getting cleaned up by Shakib Al Hasan. Brendan Taylor became the second highest run-getter for Zimbabwe in ODIs overtaking Grant Flower before getting out hit-wicket in a bizarre manner.
On the back of 4 steady partnerships, Zimbabwe managed to score 240-9 in the completed 50 overs. Each of their no.3-6 had starts for their innings but they failed to convert it into something big. Addition of experienced Sikandar Raza came into handy as he scored vital 30 runs to close down the innings.
Shoriful Islam was the lead bowler for Bangladesh as he took 4 wickets for 40 runs in his 10 overs quota.
In reply, Bangladesh lost wickets at regular intervals and were struggling at 75-4 in 18 overs. Blessing Muzarabani bowled another beautiful and economical first spell which read 5-1-11-0. Despite losing wickets at one end, their chief all-rounder held the fort from another end remaining not out as the match went into the last over of the match.
With crucial lower order contributions from Afif Hossain and Saifuddin, Bangladesh managed to overcome the target as Shakib Al Hasan finished the match with his mature 96*(109).
All the bowlers besides Tendai Chatara chipped in for the hosts, but it was their wicket-keeper who had a field day on the ground. Regis Chakabva effected a brilling run-out of Mossadek Hossain, stumped Afif on Raza’s bowling before almost pulling out the most spectacular diving catch. But Bangladesh were once again too good to handle for Taylor’s men in this 3 match ODI series.
Next Up:
Match No. 3
At Harare
20th July 2021
1.00pm IST
Dream XI:
Brendan Taylor, Liton Das (VC), Tamim Iqbal, Regis Chakabva, Wesley Madhevere, Dion Myers, Shakib Al Hasan (C), Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Luke Jongwe, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani
