Sports Correspondent
Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza has praised the team’s unity and culture after the Chevrons opened their UAE ODI Tri-Series campaign with a commanding 99-run victory over Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi.
Zimbabwe recovered from a disastrous start with the bat before producing a disciplined bowling performance to dismiss Bangladesh for 172 in 33.4 overs, defending a target of 272 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
The victory further underlined Zimbabwe’s growing competitiveness against Bangladesh, who had dominated the rivalry for much of the previous decade.
Zimbabwe have won five of the seven One-Day Internationals played between the sides since their 2022 series, including Saturday’s emphatic result. Bangladesh still lead the overall head-to-head record, having won 52 of 84 previous meetings, compared with Zimbabwe’s 32.
Raza’s emphasis on team unity and culture comes against the backdrop of Zimbabwe’s recent improvement, with experienced players and emerging talent contributing to a side increasingly capable of competing against more established opponents.
The victory was built on a remarkable recovery after Zimbabwe lost three early wickets, with Bangladesh fast bowler Taskin Ahmed reducing them to 24 for three inside the first seven overs.
Veteran batters Craig Ervine and Brendan Taylor then combined for a crucial 150-run fourth-wicket partnership to steady the innings and put Zimbabwe back in control.
Ervine scored 93 off 106 balls, while Taylor contributed 81 from 101 deliveries. Their partnership laid the foundation for Zimbabwe to finish on 271 for eight in their allotted 50 overs.
Taylor’s innings also marked a significant milestone in his career, as he surpassed Andy Flower’s record for the most ODI runs scored for Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers then completed the job, with Brad Evans taking four wickets for 45 runs. Wellington Masakadza and Raza claimed two wickets apiece as Bangladesh struggled to build meaningful partnerships.
Opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim offered some resistance with 46 off 38 balls, but the rest of the batting line-up failed to mount a serious challenge as Bangladesh were dismissed for 172.
The result gave Zimbabwe a 99-run victory and a strong start to a tri-series that also features Afghanistan.
