Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)– The Tigers beat Zimbabwe by 21 runs in the fourth game of the five-match Bashundhara Cement ODI series at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium at Mirpur in the capital Dhaka on Friday.
Chasing a winning target of 257 runs set by Bangladesh, Zimbabwe started their innings not in a happy mood as they faced early batting jolt losing their three top orders batsmen early in the 60 runs of the scoreboard and finally managed to score 235 for 8 from their stipulated 50 overs.
It was also Bangladesh’s 50th ODI victory at home ground.
However Brendon Taylor and Solomon Mire offered some resistance to chase the Bangladesh’s total as they put 106 runs for the fourth wicket stand to take the team to a comfortable position.
But, Rubel Hossain again brought Bangladesh in match breaking the stubborn partnership giving a sign of relief to Bangladesh tent.
Taylor contributed 63 runs off 69-ball with seven boundaries while Mire supported him with a priceless score of 52-run hitting six boundaries and two over boundaries.
Middle order batsman Regis Chakabva (26) and wicket keeper PJ Moor (13) were the other notable batsmen for the touring side.
Shakib Al Hasan, debutant Jubair Hossain and Rubel Hossain bagged two wickets each conceding 28, 42 and 48 runs respectively. Mahmudullah of Bangladesh was named the player of the match for his brilliant batting performance on the day.
Earlier, a responsible half century by Mahmudullha and late blitz by skipper Mashrafe Mortza saw Bangladesh scored a competitive total of 256 for 8 from their stipulated 50 overs against Zimbabwe.
Bangladesh faced serious batting jolt losing their four top order batsmen early in the 32 runs of the scoreboard, after Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim won the important toss and elected to bat first.
Opener Anamul Haque (5) the hero of the Bangladesh’s series victory in the third ODI was first to go as he trapped leg before wicket by Neville Madziva delivery while another opener Tamim Iqbal (16) continued his dismal form giving an easy catch to Hamlinton Masakadza of Solomon Mire delivery.
First down Imrul Kayes (5) and dependable allrouunder Shakib Al Hasan (1) both lasted a little and returned to the dressing room, leaving Bangladesh in deep trouble.
Then experienced batsman Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah took the responsibility to stop the rot contributing useful 134 runs for the fifth wicket to take the team’s total to a comfortable position.
Zimbabwe again fought back in the match when the stubborn partnership between Mushfiq and Mahmudulllah was broken by Tafadzwa Kamungozi. Mushfiq was looked positive on the wicket as he played a responsible knock off 77 runs off 78-ball hitting seven boundaries before he was caught by Elton Chugumbura.
Mahmudullha was not in a mood to throw his wicket as he continued onslaught on Zimbabwe bowling attacks along with skipper Mashrafe Mortaza punishing the bowlers all square of the ground.
Mashrafe played an entertaining 25-ball off 39-run smacking four boundaries and two towering over boundaries and gave a good support to Mahmudullha who remained unbeaten with a brilliant 82 runs till the end of innings. He smashed six boundaries during his 112-ball stay on the crease.
Solomon Mire and Neville Madziva was the pick of Zimbabwe bowlers taking three wickets each giving away 49 and 60 runs respectively. They were well supported by Tafadzwa Kamungozi, who captured two wickets conceding 36 runs.
Earlier, both Bangladesh and Zimbabwe teams wore black armbands and observed am minute silence before start of the match in memory of the Australian batsman Phillip Hughes, who died in The Sydney on Thursday.
The fifth and last ODI between the two sides will be held on Monday (Dec.1) at the same venue.
BBN/SSR/AD-28Nov14-8:39 pm (BST)
