Sports Correspondent
Zimbabwe made a winning start to the T20I series against Bangladesh with a convincing 32-run victory in the opening match at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, thanks to outstanding bowling from pace duo Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava.
Defending 170, Zimbabwe dismantled Bangladesh’s batting line-up, with Muzarabani claiming superb figures of 4/17 while Ngarava picked up 4/28 to seal the hosts’ victory.
Bangladesh’s chase got off to a bright start, but Ngarava struck twice in quick succession before Muzarabani added another wicket to leave the visitors reeling at 43/3 inside the Powerplay.
Yasir Ali fought back with a spirited half-century and shared a useful stand with Towhid Hridoy, briefly raising Bangladesh’s hopes. However, Muzarabani broke the partnership before Ngarava removed Yasir and Mohammad Saifuddin in successive overs to end the resistance.
Muzarabani wrapped up the innings with two more wickets as Bangladesh were bowled out 32 runs short of the target.
Earlier, Zimbabwe posted 170 after an explosive start from Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani, who dominated the Bangladesh attack in the opening overs.
Although Bangladesh clawed their way back through fast bowler Nahid Rana, who claimed three wickets, Brad Evans’ late cameo proved decisive. Evans struck four boundaries in the final over to lift Zimbabwe to a competitive total.
The victory gives Zimbabwe a 1-0 lead in the T20I series and continues their successful run against Bangladesh after winning both the one-off Test and the ODI series.
Brief Scores: Zimbabwe 170/6 in 20 overs (Brian Bennett 44, Ryan Burl 30, Brad Evans 19*; Nahid Rana 3-26) beat Bangladesh 138 in 19 overs (Yasir Ali 54; Blessing Muzarabani 4-17, Richard Ngarava 4-26) by 32 runs
