Hosts Bangladesh won the third ODI at Mirpur yesterday night against Zimbabwe to move to a crucial series lead of 2-1. It was another batting collapse from the visitors that enabled Bangladesh to cash onto a comfortable victory, however there was enough drama at the end in their own innings.

Put into bat first at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Zimbabwe were looking bright at one end through a breezy knock from acting Captain Hamilton Masakadza (84 from 79 balls with 12 fours and a six) but at the other end were losing too many wickets. After Masakadza’s exit, it was a free fall for the Zims and they couldn’t even use up their quota of 50 overs. Three bowlers had done the damage for the Tigers – pacer Nazmul Hossain with 3 for 13 and the left arm spinners – Abdur Razzak (2 for 41) and Enamul Haque Jr. (3 for 45).

The Tigers were cruising through to the target thanks to a 98-run second wicket stand between left handed opener Tamim Iqbal (80 from 72 balls with 10 fours and 2 sixes) and former Skipper Mohammad Ashraful. However, they too had their collapse like the Zimbabweans did. The only difference was that Ashraful with his responsible knock of 63 from 91 balls (with 7 fours and a six) had taken them to the comfort zone with just another 23 to win. Although Bangladesh went onto lose another four wickets after this, it still was an easy win with 9.2 overs to spare. Tamim Iqbal got the Man of the Match for taking the game away from Zimbabwe. The Tigers were certainly rattled by the 20-year-old Kyle Jarvis, who had picked up 3 for 38 in his 10 overs.

Tags: Bangladesh, Bangladesh Vs Zimbabwe, Hamilton Masakadza, Mirpur, Mohammad Ashraful, Tamim Iqbal, Zimbabwe