Cricket News: Zimbabwe VS Bangladesh 2nd ODI, Sikandar Raza helped Zimbabwe seal the ODI series win by 2-0
Every time Zimbabwe's batting line-up falls, Sikandar Raza stands strong, turning the tide in the team's favor. Another century by Sikandar Raza when Zimbabwe were 49/4 helped the host win the ODI series after winning the T20I series against Bangladesh
Sikandar Raza helped Zimbabwe seal the ODI series win by 2-0"It (series win) is massive, we've been playing some good cricket. We were itching to play good cricket. To win the series, it's really nice. We've been trying to play positive cricket.", said Zimbabwe captain Regis Chakabva.
It was the first ODI series win over Bangladesh since 2013 for Zimbabwe, and all hail - Sikandar Raza for his two back-to-back centuries in the two ODIs.
Chasing 290, Zimbabwe had another terrible start. Hasan Mahmud struck twice with the new ball, and even the spinners were quick to open their account as Zimbabwe lost their top four inside 15 overs with just 49 runs on the board.
After another failure of top-order, the fate of the chase was in the hands of Sikandar Raza and captain Regis Chakabva. A 201-run partnership brought the host to the stage where they required 41 runs in 42 balls when Skipper got out on 102.
Sikandar Raza got a reprieve on 42 when Mehidy Hasan Miraz missed a run-out chance by breaking the stumps with the wrong hand. And that turned out to be a costly miss.
Tony Munyonga, in the end, accelerated the chase with Sikandar Raza in 26 balls to win the game by five wickets. Sikandar Raza ended the inning at 117, not out.
Earlier in the day, Zimbabwe invited Bangladesh to bat first, and they posted a total of 290 runs with the help of 80 runs not-out knock from Mahmudullah. They started well with Tamim Iqbal's brisk start, but after their first wicket fell on 71, the next couple of wickets couldn't create a more extended partnership.
An 81-run partnership between Mahmudullah and Afif Hossain helped them take the total to 290. Sikandar Raza also took three wickets for the team. 2 wickets from Wesley Madhevere and one wicket from Victor Nyauchi and Tanaka Chivanga were also influential.
The Zimbabwe team now has a golden opportunity to whitewash the series and declare themselves a dark horse. Bangladesh will be shocked and look at what's wrong happening with them as the third ODI will be on 10th August 2022.