HARARE – Hosts Zimbabwe has beaten Bangladesh by 17 runs on Saturday to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match T2OI series.
The Zimbabweans totaled a challenging 205-3 in their 20 overs as Wessly Madhevere top-scored with 67 while Sikandar Raza contributed 65 at the Harare Sports Club
Madhevere cracked nine fours after facing 46 balls while Raza smashed seven boundaries and four sixes to give a rejuvenated Zimbabwean side a fighting chance.
21-year-old Madhevere however retired hurt while the 36-year-old veteran Raza went on to win the man-of-the-match award after taking 1-30 in Zimbabwe’s successful defence of their total.
In reply, Bangladesh, who needed 28 runs from the last over to win, were restricted to 188-6 with Luke Jongwe the pick of the Zimbabwe bowlers with 2-34.
It is some kind of turnaround for Zimbabwe, who have now won six T20 matches in a row. The African side won all their five matches a fortnight ago to lift the trophy of a World Cup qualification tournament hosted by Bulawayo.
The second match of the T20 series with Bangladesh will be played on Sunday at the same venue.
