Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
ZIMBABWE secured a 2-1 One-Day International series victory over Bangladesh despite suffering a seven-wicket defeat in the dead rubber at Harare Sports Club on Saturday.
Having already sealed the series with wins in the opening two matches, the Chevrons rested key seamers Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava and Newman Nyamhuri, handing Tanaka Chivanga, Wellington Masakadza and Ernest Masuku places in the starting XI.
The changes proved costly as Zimbabwe, bowled out for 199, were unable to reproduce the disciplined bowling displays that had underpinned their earlier victories.
Bangladesh comfortably chased down the target, winning by seven wickets after Zimbabwe’s fielding effort was undermined by six dropped catches.
Despite the defeat, Zimbabwe emerged with the series honours after impressive performances in the opening two matches, where they successfully defended totals of 141 and 243.
The series victory highlighted the growing influence of Zimbabwe’s pace attack, with the bowling unit playing a decisive role in securing the country’s first ODI series win over Bangladesh in years.
Attention now turns to the three-match T20 International series, which begins on Thursday at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
