Three scintillating half-centuries from Zimbabwean batsmen posted a close to 300-run target for Bangladesh in the third and final one-day international cricket match at Harare on Tuesday.
Already lost the ODI series 0-2, the hosts looked dangerous from the very beginning of the innings after Tamim Iqbal had sent them in to bat first.
Though Zimbabwe were bowled out for 298 runs, it seemed at one stage that they would make a total in excess of 300 runs.
Commentators criticised skipper Tamim Iqbal for his failure to utilise a fifth bowler effectively after Zimbabwe lost five wickets for 172 runs in 35th over.
It was in that stage, opener Regis Chakabva fell already after playing brilliant innings of 84. He was supported by his captain Brendan Taylor (28) and Dion Mayers (34).
However, Zimbabwe’s innings total surged once Sikandar Raza (57 from 54 balls) and Ryan Burl (59 from 43 balls) charged the Bangladeshi bowlers. Burl hit four fours and four sixes and Raza one six and seven fours.
Left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman and bowling all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin captured three wickets apiece to stop the Zimbabwe onslaught at the two final overs. Mahmudullah Riad took two wickets including that of Taylor.
