Mehidy Hasan Miraz up his anchoring century with a five-wicket haul to propel Bangladesh to an innings and 106-run triumph over Zimbabwe here at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on Wednesday.
Resuming their first innings from an overnight mark of 291/7, Miraz Taijul Islam added 153 more runs to their total for the loss of their last three wickets on the home side. Until the latter fell victim to Vincent Masekesa after scoring a vital 20 from 45 deliveries, laced with three boundaries, the overnight combination of Miraz and Islam stretched their eighth wicket stand to 63 runs.
Miraz then powered Bangladesh above the 400-run barrier with a remarkable 96-run alliance with number 10 batter Tanzim Hasan Sakib.
Wessly Madhevere dismissed Sakib in the 123rd over, therefore defining the match. With 41 off 80 deliveries and mixed with two fours and a six, Sakib stayed a prominent player for Bangladesh overall.
Miraz followed suit after 39 deliveries, stumped off Masekesa after top-scoring for Bangladesh with 104 off 162 runs, studded with a dozen boundaries including a six.
With five wickets for 115 runs in 31.2 overs, Masekesa was the best bowler Zimbabwe had; Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Madhevere and Brian Bennett each picked one wicket.
Trailing by 217 runs, Miraz’s bowling brilliance destroyed Zimbabwe’s batting line, thereby producing a measly 111 in 46.2 overs even with Ben Curran’s brave innings.
Before Miraz pulled him, the opening batter fought a lone battle for the touring side with 46 off 103 deliveries.
Curran also revealed a crucial 47-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Craig Ervine, who could gather 25 off 56 deliveries.
Islam struck thrice while Miraz claimed five wickets for thirty-two runs in twenty-one overs. Mehidy Hasan Miraz was declared Player of the Match for his all-round excellence. Bangladesh’s overwhelming triumph helped them to tie the two-match series 1-1 since the visitors won the first games by three wickets in Sylhet.
