Cricket News: Ryal Burl's 54 with Victory Nayuchi and Brad Evans bowling took Zimbabwe to their first ever T20I series over Bangladesh

While defending an average total of 158 runs, Zimbabwe bowlers held their nerve. With continuous wicket-taking spells and economical bowling, they won the decider by ten runs and the series by 2-1.

After winning the toss, the host decided to post a target for Bangladesh in the decider. Still, they would not have considered taking the series back home when they reached 67/6 at the end of the 13th over. But a 79-run partnership between Luke Jongwe and Ryal Burl, topped with one 34-run over of Nasum Ahmed, changed the fate and brought Zimbabwe into a competing total.

"We struggled a bit upfront, but the mindset of Burl and Jongwe got us through.", said Craig Ervine, Zimbabwe Captain.

The dream of winning their first T20I series was loud and clear from the complete Zimbabwe bowling side. Victor Nyauchi's two early wickets set the momentum for the successful defence. Sikandar Raza kept visitors trapped with his economical spell giving 21 runs in 24 balls. Brad Evans' two wickets in two balls ensured that the host remained on the top of the game.

Defending 19 runs in the last over, Bangladesh's Afif Hossain had the chance to win for his team. He was batting at 33 runs in 23 balls. But the first ball single took away all the possibilities as Luke Jongwe took a wicket in the next ball and easily won the game for his team by 10-runs.

Bangladesh's decision to leave their experienced player from the decider game cost them the match. At the same time, Zimbabwe deserved all the glory and praise for their victory. Both teams will not go on for the ODI series from 5th August.