ZIM vs BAN, 3rd T20I: Clinical Zimbabwe seal series with a magical victory

Riding on a brilliant team effort, Zimbabwe pipped Bangladesh by ten runs in the third T20I in Harare today.  With this stunning victory, the hosts registered their first ever series win over the Tigers in the shortest format. 

Ryan Burl and Luke Jongwe take Zimbabwe to a respectable total

After opting to bat first, Zimbabwe got off to a decent start, with Regis Chakabva and Craig Ervine adding 29 runs for the first wicket. 

However, the Bangladeshi spin unit led by Mahedi Hasan triggered a collapse, leaving the home side reeling at 76 for six in 14 overs. 

What the world witnessed next was nothing short of a miracle. 

Ryan Burl's monstrous hitting stole the show 

Ryan Burl hammered Nasum Ahmed for 34 runs in the 15th over and brought smiles back to the hosts’ camp. Luke Jongwe supported Burl to perfection at the other end as the duo stitched a match-winning stand of 79 runs. 

Burl slammed a breathtaking 28-ball 54, while Jongwe scored a quickfire 35. Their heroic efforts rescued Zimbabwe from a disastrous position and ensured a defendable total of 156 in 20 overs. 

From Bangladesh’s side, Mahedi Hasan and Hasan Mahmud picked two wickets each and the remaining four wickets were shared equally by Mustafizur, Mosaddek, Nasum and Mahmudullah. 

Bangladesh fall short despite Afif Hossain’s late blitz

Bangladesh had the worst possible start in the pursuit of 157, losing their top four for just 60 runs. 

Mahmudullah steadied the ship by adding 39 runs with Afif Hossain. 

Victor Nyauchi starred with the ball for the hosts

However, Brad Evans wreaked havoc in the visitors’ camp by dismissing Mahmudullah and Mosaddek in two consecutive deliveries in the 15th over. 

On the other hand, Afif continued fighting, well supported by Mahedi Hasan. But the superb death bowling by Victor Nyauchi and Jongwe was too good for the visitors as they finished at 146 for eight in 20 overs. 

Nyauchi was the pick of the bowlers from the hosts’ side, scalping three wickets for 29 runs. 

Brief Scores: 

Zimbabwe: 156/8 (20)

Ryan Burl 54 (28), Luke Jongwe 35 (20); 

Mahedi Hasan 2/28 (4), Hasan Mahmud 2/28 (4) 

Bangladesh: 146/8 (20)

Afif Hossain 39* (27), Mahmudullah 27 (27)

Victor Nyauchi 3/29 (4), Brad Evans 2/26 (4)

Zimbabwe won by ten runs and clinched the series by 2-1. 

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