Zimbabwe defeated Bangladesh by 13 runs in Harare to seal the ODI series 2-0 with one match still to play.
Ben Curran produced a superb unbeaten 111, becoming only the seventh Zimbabwe batter to carry his bat through a full 50-over innings. His effort helped the hosts post 247 for 6 before a determined bowling performance restricted Bangladesh to 234.
The match developed into a proper contest under the Harare lights, with the home crowd at Castle Corner adding energy throughout a tense finish.
Bangladesh looked well placed at 169 for 3, but Zimbabwe fought back brilliantly. A collapse of 7 for 65 turned the chase around before captain Richard Ngarava sealed victory by dismissing Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
Curran Holds Zimbabwe’s Innings Together
Curran’s innings was built on patience, discipline and excellent shot selection. He began in difficult morning conditions when the pitch still offered sideways movement. Instead of forcing the pace, he played late and close to his body, collecting runs steadily while wickets fell around him. Forty-seven of his runs came square of the wicket or behind it, reflecting how well he adjusted to the surface.
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Curran hit only eight boundaries in a controlled innings, but he still punished Bangladesh whenever they overpitched. He scored 33 runs in the ‘V’, including four of his nine fours, and provided the stability Zimbabwe badly needed.
Sikandar Raza supported him with 33 off 53 balls, with their fourth-wicket partnership of 68 proving more productive than all Zimbabwe’s previous stands combined.
Evans Provides Crucial Late Power
Brad Evans played a decisive role from No. 8. Coming in with Zimbabwe needing late momentum, he struck an unbeaten 58 and transformed the innings alongside Curran.
Zimbabwe’s seventh-wicket partnership produced 99 runs at a much faster tempo than anything that had come before it.
Evans hit all five of Zimbabwe’s sixes, including three in the final over against Taskin Ahmed, whose slower-ball plans failed to work.
That late assault lifted Zimbabwe to 247 for 6 and gave their bowlers a competitive total to defend.
Bangladesh Start Well Before Collapse
Bangladesh’s chase had strong foundations through Tanzid Hasan and Towhid Hridoy. Tanzid made 57 from 70 balls and looked confident during his stay at the crease. He was in control for most of his innings and played several commanding drives.
However, his dismissal proved costly. Looking to attack part-time spinner Brian Bennett, he missed a sweep and was bowled.
Hridoy battled hard for 60 from 90 balls, but his innings was often marked by frustration. Good shots repeatedly found fielders, while running between the wickets was not always sharp enough.
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Bangladesh were still in control at 169 for 3, but the chase changed quickly once Zimbabwe found breakthroughs.
Ngarava Leads Zimbabwe Fightback
Zimbabwe’s fast bowlers used the bounce at Harare to excellent effect. When movement disappeared and the pitch became slower, the quicks still found enough lift to trouble Bangladesh’s batters.
Ngarava was central to the comeback. His third spell produced 2 wickets for 26 runs in three overs, removing Nurul Hasan and Mosaddek Hossain at an important stage. Nurul had made a useful 38 from 41 balls under pressure, but his dismissal shifted momentum firmly back towards Zimbabwe.
Ngarava later returned for one final delivery and dismissed Mehidy to complete the win and the series.
Evans, Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani combined for seven wickets, finishing with 7 for 136 in 28.1 overs.
Zimbabwe Hold Their Nerve
The closing stages were full of tension. Rishad Hossain attempted to slow the game as the light faded, but Zimbabwe remained focused. His dismissal was celebrated strongly by the home side, who felt they had stayed patient despite several moments of frustration.
Mehidy also showed visible frustration late in the chase after a wide was not called when the ball passed close to leg stump. However, Zimbabwe kept their composure and continued to attack.
With 17 required from 17 balls, Bangladesh still had a chance. But Zimbabwe’s bowlers held their nerve, using bounce, discipline and pressure to close out the match.
Bangladesh Left With Lessons
Bangladesh will feel they missed a major opportunity. Tanzid and Hridoy gave them a platform, but the middle and lower order could not provide the finishing support required. They also lacked the kind of late-innings power Evans supplied for Zimbabwe.
In conditions that could resemble those expected at the 2027 World Cup, Bangladesh were given a tough lesson in patience, adaptability and finishing under pressure.
For Zimbabwe, however, the night belonged to Curran, Evans, Ngarava and a team that refused to give in. Their 13-run victory secured a memorable series win and gave the Harare crowd a performance to celebrate.
