Zimbabwe Vs Bangladesh 2nd ODI turned into a memorable occasion for the hosts as Zimbabwe defeated Bangladesh by 13 runs in Harare to seal the three-match One-Day International series with an unassailable 2-0 lead. A superb unbeaten century from opener Ben Curran, followed by disciplined bowling in the closing stages, helped Zimbabwe clinch one of their most significant ODI series wins in recent years.
Playing at the Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe recovered from an early batting collapse to post a competitive total of 247/6 in 50 overs. Bangladesh appeared well placed during the chase but suffered a dramatic middle-order collapse and were eventually bowled out for 234 in 48.1 overs.
Ben Curran Anchors Zimbabwe After Early Setbacks
Zimbabwe faced immediate pressure after being asked to bat on a surface that offered movement for the fast bowlers during the morning session. Bangladesh’s seam attack made the most of the conditions, reducing the home side to 32/3 and putting Zimbabwe on the back foot.
With wickets falling around him, Ben Curran remained calm and focused. He took time to settle before gradually shifting gears, mixing patience with well-timed attacking strokes. His unbeaten 111-run knock became the backbone of Zimbabwe’s innings and marked the second ODI century of his international career.
Curran also entered Zimbabwe’s record books by becoming only the seventh batter from the country to remain at the crease for the entire 50 overs of an ODI innings. His innings was not without fortune, however. On just four runs, he was handed a crucial lifeline when Towhid Hridoy failed to hold a difficult chance at short cover.
That dropped catch proved costly as Curran went on to punish Bangladesh with a match-winning performance.
Brad Evans Provides the Perfect Finish
Zimbabwe’s innings gained fresh momentum in the closing overs thanks to Brad Evans, who played a fearless unbeaten knock of 58 runs from the lower order.
Initially, Evans struggled to find his rhythm, managing only two runs from his first seven deliveries. Once settled, he changed the tempo completely, attacking the Bangladesh bowlers with confidence.
His most explosive moment came in the final over of the innings when he smashed Taskin Ahmed for three consecutive sixes. Evans finished unbeaten with 58, and all five sixes struck by Zimbabwe during the innings came from his bat.
The unbeaten 99-run partnership between Curran and Evans for the seventh wicket transformed Zimbabwe’s innings. From a difficult position at 148/6, the pair guided the hosts to a challenging total that eventually proved enough to win the match.
Middle Order Fails to Convert Good Starts
Earlier in the innings, Wesley Madhevere played positively against Nahid Rana and scored quickly before being dismissed after a promising start.
Experienced all-rounder Sikandar Raza also looked comfortable during his stay at the crease. He shared a valuable 68-run partnership with Curran for the fourth wicket, helping Zimbabwe rebuild after the early collapse. However, Raza was unable to convert his start into a substantial innings and was caught off Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
Clive Madande also departed soon afterwards, leaving Zimbabwe under pressure before Curran and Evans staged the decisive recovery.
Bangladesh’s Bowling Strategy Falls Short
Bangladesh made one change to their playing XI, bringing in Shoriful Islam in place of Mustafizur Rahman. The visitors also relied on multiple spin options, including Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain and Mosaddek Hossain, hoping the slower bowlers would control the middle overs.
The plan worked only in phases. Fast bowlers Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana produced an excellent opening spell that left Zimbabwe struggling early. However, Bangladesh failed to maintain that pressure as Curran and Evans handled the spin attack effectively before accelerating in the final overs.
The late surge significantly altered the momentum of the contest and left Bangladesh chasing a more demanding target than had once seemed likely.
Bangladesh Lose Control After Strong Chase
Chasing 248 for victory, Bangladesh made a confident start and looked firmly in the contest for much of their innings.
Opening batter Tanzid Hasan scored an impressive 57 from 70 balls, while Towhid Hridoy contributed a composed 60 from 90 deliveries. Together they stitched an important 84-run partnership for the third wicket, taking Bangladesh to 169/3 and putting the visitors in a strong position.
At that stage, Bangladesh appeared to have the upper hand.
However, Zimbabwe’s bowlers responded brilliantly under pressure. Bangladesh lost two wickets while adding just seven runs, slipping from 169 to 176. That collapse shifted the momentum completely.
The wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, preventing the lower order from building any meaningful partnerships. Bangladesh eventually lost their final six wickets for just 65 runs, allowing Zimbabwe to regain complete control of the match.
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Richard Ngarava Delivers in the Decisive Moments
Zimbabwe captain Richard Ngarava led from the front with the ball during the crucial closing overs.
His disciplined spell dismantled Bangladesh’s lower order at the perfect time. Ngarava claimed the important wickets of Nurul Hasan, who scored 38, and Mosaddek Hossain before wrapping up the innings by dismissing Mehidy Hasan Miraz with the final ball of his spell.
His timely breakthroughs ensured Bangladesh never recovered after their middle-order collapse and confirmed Zimbabwe’s series-clinching victory.
Umpiring Decisions Spark Discussion Without DRS
The absence of the Decision Review System (DRS) once again became a talking point during the match.
With Bangladesh requiring 17 runs from the final 17 balls, Mehidy Hasan Miraz expressed frustration after a delivery was not called wide. Under the latest ODI playing conditions, batters moving significantly across the crease can affect a wide-ball decision, and the umpire ruled that Miraz had moved towards the leg side, making the call legitimate.
Earlier in the match, Zimbabwe had also been left disappointed after a couple of catching appeals were turned down. Without DRS available, both teams had to accept several close umpiring decisions, adding further debate to an already closely contested encounter.
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Zimbabwe Clinch the Series in Style
The Zimbabwe Vs Bangladesh 2nd ODI highlighted Zimbabwe’s resilience and ability to recover from difficult situations. Ben Curran’s outstanding unbeaten century laid the foundation, while Brad Evans’ explosive late cameo added vital runs that ultimately proved decisive.
Bangladesh will regret letting a winning position slip during the chase, especially after their top order had built a solid platform. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, showed composure in both batting and bowling to complete a well-earned victory.
With a 2-0 lead in the three-match series, Zimbabwe have already secured the ODI series before the final game. The result represents another encouraging step forward for the home side as they continue building confidence against established international opposition.
