Much was expected of Brendan Taylor’s team after they shocked favourites South Africa by 29 runs on Wednesday that coming after a 11 run win over Bangladesh on Monday but a total of 149 for eight over 20 overs proved insufficient against the Tigers.
The Zimbabweans had set the tourists a target of 149 after reaching 149 for eight with the top scorer being Hamilton Masakadza who hit an impressive 56 runs a day after he hit 55 against South Africa.
Zimbabwe further had captain Brendan Taylor and Stuart Matsikenyeri weighing in with 27 runs as well as Vusi Sibanda with 12 but that was not enough to give them victory at the expense of the Tigers whom they had earlier beat on Monday by 11 runs.
In response, the Tigers were not in a compromising mood and totalled 153 for four to leave themselves with a chance of reaching the final after having lost their two opening matches to Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Nasir Hossain was their top scorer with 41 runs which was well complimented by captain Mushfiqur Rahim with 31 runs and Mahammad Rahim who contributed 29 runs.
This was Bangladesh’s first victory under new coach England born Richard Pybus.
As a result of the defeat, the Zimbabweans will now have to wait for the outcome of their match against South Africa on Saturday to know whether they have reached the final or not.
The final is set for Sunday at Harare Sports Club.
The three teams are using the competition to fine tune their teams ahead of the Twenty20 World Cup to be held in Sri Lanka in September. Coincidentally, Zimbabwe and South Africa are in the same group at the World Cup alongside the hosts.
Post published in: Cricket