NEW DELHI: Bangladesh held off a late charge from Faraz Akram to secure a nine-run victory over Zimbabwe in the third Twenty20 international, clinching the five-match series 3-0 in Chittagong on Tuesday.
In his debut match of the series, Faraz played a remarkable innings, scoring an unbeaten 34 off 19 balls – a record for any Zimbabwean batting at number 10.Despite his efforts, Zimbabwe fell short, finishing at 156-9.
Faraz combined with Wellington Masakadza to form a crucial 54-run partnership for the ninth wicket, rescuing Zimbabwe from a precarious position at 91-8.
Going into the final over, the visitors required 21 runs for victory. However, Mohammad Saifuddin struck early by dismissing Masakadza on the first ball, which swung the momentum back in Bangladesh’s favor.
Saifuddin, who made 3-42, held his nerve to concede only three runs from the last three balls.
Towhid Hridoy earlier scored his maiden Twenty20 international with 57 off 38 balls, helping the hosts recover from a sluggish start after they were put in to bat first.
Jaker Ali provided Towhid ample support with 44 off 34 balls as the pair shared 87 for the fourth wicket.
Blessing Muzarabani claimed 3-14 for Zimbabwe, his career best figure, but his teammates struggled to contain the innings.
Muzarabani bowled Liton Das for 12 as the opener shuffled across to play a paddle sweep, only to miss the line of the ball.
Skipper Sikandar Raza bowled his counterpart Najmul Hossain Shanto for six to leave Bangladesh 29-2.
Jaker joined Towhid after Faraz scalped opener Tanzid Hasan for 21 to help Bangladesh shift gear.
Muzarabani bowled Towhid and Jaker in the space of three balls in the penultimate over.
Bangladesh won the opening two matches to lead the five-match series 2-0.
The final two matches of the series will be played in Dhaka on Friday and Sunday.
(With AFP inputs)
In his debut match of the series, Faraz played a remarkable innings, scoring an unbeaten 34 off 19 balls – a record for any Zimbabwean batting at number 10.Despite his efforts, Zimbabwe fell short, finishing at 156-9.
Faraz combined with Wellington Masakadza to form a crucial 54-run partnership for the ninth wicket, rescuing Zimbabwe from a precarious position at 91-8.
Going into the final over, the visitors required 21 runs for victory. However, Mohammad Saifuddin struck early by dismissing Masakadza on the first ball, which swung the momentum back in Bangladesh’s favor.
Saifuddin, who made 3-42, held his nerve to concede only three runs from the last three balls.
Towhid Hridoy earlier scored his maiden Twenty20 international with 57 off 38 balls, helping the hosts recover from a sluggish start after they were put in to bat first.
Jaker Ali provided Towhid ample support with 44 off 34 balls as the pair shared 87 for the fourth wicket.
Blessing Muzarabani claimed 3-14 for Zimbabwe, his career best figure, but his teammates struggled to contain the innings.
Muzarabani bowled Liton Das for 12 as the opener shuffled across to play a paddle sweep, only to miss the line of the ball.
Skipper Sikandar Raza bowled his counterpart Najmul Hossain Shanto for six to leave Bangladesh 29-2.
Jaker joined Towhid after Faraz scalped opener Tanzid Hasan for 21 to help Bangladesh shift gear.
Muzarabani bowled Towhid and Jaker in the space of three balls in the penultimate over.
Bangladesh won the opening two matches to lead the five-match series 2-0.
The final two matches of the series will be played in Dhaka on Friday and Sunday.
(With AFP inputs)