Story by Mthokozisi Dube
ZIMBABWE made a winning start to the three-match T20 International series against Bangladesh, claiming a convincing 32-run victory at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Wednesday.
Backed by a capacity home crowd, the Chevrons delivered a disciplined all-round performance to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
After losing the toss and being sent in to bat, Zimbabwe posted 170 for six, their highest T20 International total against Bangladesh.
The visitors never recovered during the chase as Zimbabwe’s pace attack, spearheaded by Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava, kept striking at regular intervals. The duo claimed four wickets apiece to dismantle Bangladesh’s batting line-up.
Despite a fighting half-century from Yasir Ali Chowdhury, Bangladesh were restricted to 138 for nine, handing Zimbabwe a comfortable 32-run victory.
Captain Sikandar Raza said the team had responded positively after being put under pressure.
“I think when a man works under pressure, it’s pressure everywhere, whether it’s sport. It was actually a rude awakening for us, so we were thinking how best we can avoid finding ourselves in such situations. Let’s actually match the whole intensity of T20 cricket,” he said.
Bangladesh assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin admitted his side struggled against Zimbabwe’s pace bowling.
“We didn’t handle Muzarabani well from the first over. We lost too many wickets,” he said.
The two sides return to Queens Sports Club on Friday for the second T20 International, with Zimbabwe needing another victory to clinch the series.
From: Yvon
