HARARE: In a thrilling encounter that swung back and forth, Zimbabwe pulled off an incredible heist to defeat Bangladesh by 13 runs, securing the three-match ODI series with a game to spare.
After being put in to bat first by Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Zimbabwe recovered from a shaky start to post a competitive 247/6 in their 50 overs, anchored by a sublime unbeaten century from opening batsman Ben Curran.
In reply, Bangladesh looked completely in control during a massive 116-run second-wicket partnership.
However, a catastrophic batting collapse in the final 15 overs saw the visitors bowled out for 234, falling just 13 runs short of the target.
Innings Breakdown
Zimbabwe Innings: Ben Curran’s Century & Brad Evans’ Late Fireworks
Zimbabwe’s top order faltered early against a disciplined Bangladeshi bowling attack, slumping to 66/4. However, Ben Curran played the anchor role to perfection, constructing a masterclass inning of 111 off 135 balls* (hitting 9 fours).
Curran first stabilized the innings alongside veteran Sikandar Raza (33) before letting loose in a blistering, unbroken 99-run partnership for the 7th wicket with Brad Evans.
Evans provided the ultimate late-innings impetus, smashing a jaw-dropping 58 off just 38 deliveries*, including 5 massive sixes.
Taskin Ahmed’s final over went for 22 runs, shifting the momentum entirely to the hosts as they reached 247/6.
- Bangladesh Bowling: Taskin Ahmed (2/57), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (2/32), Nahid Rana (1/48).
Bangladesh Innings: The Cruise and the Collapse
Chasing 248, Bangladesh’s response started shakily, losing two early wickets.
However, opener Tanzid Hasan (57 off 70) and Tawhid Hridoy (60 off 90) wrestled back absolute control.
The duo put together a solid 116-run partnership, putting Bangladesh firmly on course for victory.
The turning point came when Wesley Madhevere broke the partnership by removing Hridoy.
Panic set in the Bangladeshi dressing room as Nurul Hasan (38) and Mosaddek Hossain fell in quick succession, triggering a massive collapse from 169/2 to 176/5.
Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz attempted to anchor the tail, grinding out 27 runs, but Zimbabwe’s pacers kept striking at crucial moments.
Needing 14 runs off the final 13 balls with wickets running out, Miraz holed out off the bowling of Richard Ngarava, leaving Bangladesh bundled out for 234 in 48.1 overs.
- Zimbabwe Bowling: Richard Ngarava (3/55), Blessing Muzarabani (2/33), Brad Evans (2/48), Wesley Madhevere (1/12).
Series Standing: With back-to-back wins at Harare, Zimbabwe has clinched the 3-match ODI series 2-0.
The final dead-rubber ODI will take place at the same venue on Saturday, July 11, 2026, where Bangladesh will play for pride and Zimbabwe will eye a clean sweep.
