HARARE – Zimbabwe secured a memorable One-Day International series victory over Bangladesh after producing a spirited all-round performance to win the second ODI by 25 runs at Harare Sports Club.
In front of a vibrant home crowd, the Chevrons defended a total of 247 and secured a 2-0 lead in the three-match series. With one match remaining, Zimbabwe has already won the series.
The hosts were inspired by opener Ben Curran, whose unbeaten 111 anchored Zimbabwe’s innings. Curran became only the seventh Zimbabwean batter to carry his bat through all 50 overs in an ODI. He showed patience and discipline on a pitch that challenged batters all day.
Curran’s century laid the foundation. Zimbabwe still faced a tough challenge as Bangladesh appeared to be cruising in the chase. At 169 for 3, the visitors looked in control and were well placed to level the series.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers, however, refused to surrender. Bangladesh collapsed, losing seven wickets for just 65 runs. The momentum shifted to the home side. Each breakthrough sparked louder celebrations from the packed Harare crowd.
Captain Richard Ngarava led with the ball. The left-arm seamer took key wickets late in the game and claimed the final wicket to seal the match and the series.
With Bangladesh’s hopes resting on Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Ngarava struck in the final stages. He removed the all-rounder, triggering celebrations among Zimbabwe’s players and supporters.
The Harare surface offered a new challenge compared to the first ODI. It became easier to bat as the day went on, but still rewarded disciplined bowling and clever changes of pace.
Bangladesh’s chase relied on Tanzid Hasan, who scored 57 from 70 deliveries. The opener looked composed and drove the ball fluently, capitalising on scoring chances as they came.
Towhid Hridoy contributed a patient 60. Zimbabwe, however, broke partnerships at crucial moments.
The turning point came when Tanzid fell after attempting an aggressive sweep against part-time spinner Brian Bennett. His dismissal opened the door for Zimbabwe’s bowlers. Bangladesh’s middle order struggled under pressure.
Nurul Hasan tried to steady the innings with a fighting 38, but Bangladesh lost wickets at key moments and never recovered.
Earlier, Curran showed patience and smart shot selection. He coped with tough conditions early, then built his innings steadily. Instead of relying on boundaries, he scored through placement and running between the wickets.
Sikandar Raza added 33, joining Curran for a key fourth-wicket partnership that stabilised Zimbabwe’s innings.
Brad Evans accelerated late in the innings, scoring an unbeaten 58. Batting at number eight, he struck five sixes in the closing overs and punished Bangladesh’s death bowling. His seventh-wicket partnership brought fresh momentum and proved decisive for Zimbabwe.
Evans also took two wickets with the ball. Alongside Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani, Zimbabwe’s pace attack took seven wickets and kept pressure on Bangladesh.
This victory is one of Zimbabwe’s most significant ODI series wins in recent years. It highlights the squad’s growing confidence ahead of future matches.
For Bangladesh, the defeat raises concerns, especially with conditions similar to those expected at the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup in southern Africa. Despite good innings from Tanzid and Hridoy, the visitors could not handle Zimbabwe’s pressure in the final stages.
Zimbabwe now heads into the final ODI aiming for a clean sweep and to extend their strong run at home.
