Bangladesh-Zimbabwe Series
Raza, Chakabva centuries script ODI series win over Bangladesh
|| CF DESK ||
Bangladesh digested another series defeat against Zimbabwe as Sikandar Raza and Regis Chakabva's tons clinched the ODI series 2-0 at the Harare Cricket Stadium, Harare on Sunday.
The Chevrons sealed the series with one match in hand as they chased down the target of 291 with five wickets and 15 balls to spare.
Thanks to captain Chakabva for his 102 off 75 balls and Raza for his all-round brilliance as he took three wickets and scored back-to-back centuries in two matches.
Raza played a commanding innings of 117 off 127 deliveries which featured 8 fours and 4 sixes. Raza survived a run-out opportunity to reach his fifty when Zimbabwe reached 157 for four in 28 overs.
Zimbabwe also won the first match on Friday by five wickets against opponents ranked eight places higher and continued a remarkable transformation under new coach Dave Houghton.
Earlier, Mahmudullah Riyad top-scored with 80 off 84 deliveries with three fours and an equal number of sixes, which propelled Bangladesh to reach 290-9 in 50 overs.
Mahmudullah was accompanied by Afif Hossain in their 81-run partnership after quick wickets in the middle. Afif played a knock of 41 off 41 before getting dismissed by Raza.
Bangladesh were slowed down in the middle when Wessly Madhevere struck twice to remove Mushfiqur Rahim (25) and Najmul Hasan Shanto (38).
The Tigers made a solid start after being invited to bat first, the openers put on 71 runs for the opening stand.
Bangladesh skipper Tamim Iqbal, who scored an 88-ball 62 in the first game, scored another fifty in the second match. He was dismissed on 50 off 45 deliveries which featured 10 fours and a six.
Another opener Bijoy also departed being run-out after a couple of overs, he scored 20 off 25.