Tamim smashes century as Bangladesh beat Zimbabwe to clinch series

Zimbabwe almost pulled off a stunning win but Bangladesh edged past their spirited rivals in the end to save the day, registering a thrilling four-run victory here in the second ODI on Tuesday.

After Tamim Iqbal’s record-breaking 158 which propelled Bangladesh to 322/8, Zimbabwe looked to be out of reckoning as they slipped to 225/7 in the 42nd over.

But Donald Tiripano (55 off 28 balls) and Tinotenda Mutombodzi (34 off 21 balls) launched a stirring counter-attack with an eighth wicket partnership that brought 80 runs in just 7.3 overs.

Tiripano struck five massive sixes, including two in the final over, but he needed to hit another one off the final ball to secure an unlikely win. Al-Amin Hossain held his nerve at the last to seal the series for Bangladesh.

Chasing a stiff 323 for a win, Zimbabwe never looked in the chase before Tiripano and Mutombodzi joined hands. For the hosts, Taijul Islam picked up three wickets.

For the tourists, Sikandar Raza top-scored with 66 while opener Tinashe Kamunhukamwe and 19-year old Wesley Madhevere also scored 51 and 52 respectively.

Earlier, Tamim became the first Bangladesh batsman to score 7,000 ODI runs, after he roared back to form with a crackling 158.

Tamim struck a career-high 158 —- breaking his own national record — as Bangladesh powered to a commanding 332-8.

Tamim’s first century in nearly two years beat the 154 runs he scored against the same opponents in 2009, as Bangladesh also improved their highest total against Zimbabwe — made just two days ago — by a run.

Mushfiqur Rahim scored 55 off 50 balls and Mahmudullah Riyad made 41, but Tamim stole the spotlight.

Tamim and Mushfiqur put on 87 runs for the third wicket after opener Liton Das and Najmul were run out for nine and six runs respectively.

Mushfiqur was out from a catch at long-off by Tinotenda Mutombodzi off Wesley Madhevere, before Tamim and Mahmudullah added 106 runs for the fourth wicket.

When he reached 84, Tamim became the first Bangladeshi to complete 7,000 runs in ODIs. He pushed Sean Williams past long off to complete his 12th ODI hundred off 106 balls -- his first ODI century since July 2018.

Tamim raced past his previous career-best international score in style with a six off Carl Mumba, but fell in the same over with a tired-looking shot with Mutombodzi completing the catch at long-off.

Mumba and Tiripano claimed two wickets each and somewhat contained the lower-order batsmen, but Mohammad Mithun’s unbeaten 32 off 18 balls still ensured a record score for the Bangladesh team against their African opponents.

Bangladesh also improved their highest total against Zimbabwe — made just two days ago — by a run.

Agence France-Presse


Brief scores
Bangladesh 322/8 in 50 overs (Tamim Iqbal 158, Mushfiqur Rahim 55; Carl Mumba 2/64, Donald Tiripano 2/55; Zimbabwe 318/8 in 50 overs (Sikandar Raza 66, Donald Tiripano 55 not out; Taijul Islam 3/52)