The Zimbabwe A team registered a significant 16-run win against Bangladesh A at Khulna Stadium on Monday which helped the tourists level the series 2-2.
Winning the toss Zimbabwean captain Alester Maregwede elected to bat first and his top order responded to the decision positively. Two reliable half centuries by opener Brendon Taylor (72) and in-form Elton Chigumbura (53) and a 49-run innings from Richard Sims helped Zimbabwe score 275 runs in the stipulated 50 overs losing nine wickets. Apart form these three top order batsmen, the other five Zimbabwean lower batsmen failed to score double-figures, which prevented them from reaching the three hundred-run mark.
Taylor took 105 balls hitting eight boundaries and a huge six. Only left arm spinner Abdur Razzak was effective against Zimbabweans taking four wickets for 54 runs but could not affect the result of the match.
In reply, Bangladesh managed to collect 259 runs in 49.4 overs losing all the wickets, just 17 runs short from the winning target. National league hero Faisal Hossain again scored an attacking 74 off 62 balls including seven boundaries, which made him the man of the match later. Al Shahrier also scored a century (52) when lower order Alamgir Kabir added 27 runs off 22 balls but their endeavours went in vain.
Gavin Ewing eliminated three wickets for Zimbabwe when Jordane Nicolle took two wickets.
The two teams will play their fifth and final one-day match at the same venue today to decide the series. Bangladesh Cricket Board decided to curtail 10 overs from each innings of this match reasoning ‘logistical difficulties’. According to concerned quarters, the hartal called by opposition party on April 7 created a transportation problem for the players, which compelled the BCB to reduce the length of the match and send players back as soon as possible.
NewAge >>