Six sixes from Imrul
Opener Imrul Kayes’ blistering 144-run knock was the highlight of the Tigers’ innings as Bangladesh posted a challenging 271 on the scoreboard despite a mini collapse at the middle part of it. Imrul was lucky in the last ball of the fifth over as the fielder dropped his catch in the deep square leg when he was only on seven. But from there, Imrul’s innings was flawless and he gradually became more aggressive as the southpaw smashed six sixes during his 140-ball innings. Generally Imrul is not well known as a big hitter but all of his sixes were superb cricketing shots with controlled aggression. The left-handed batsman controlled his batting at different stages of the innings, which helped Bangladesh to register a fighting score in the end.
Jarvis’ triple strike in middle stage
Zimbabwe pacer Kyle Jarvis bowled a superb two-over spell during the middle part of the innings, and took three key wickets to peg back the host. Bangladesh were cruising along nicely during that stage when Jarvis came on to bowl in the 28th over. The score was 135 for three and Imrul was batting on 71 while Mithun was unbeaten on 37. The partnership was 71 and Bangladesh seemed to be heading towards a big score. But Jarvis first got the wicket of Mithun as wicket-keeper Brendan Taylor took a good catch before the paceman got rid of the experienced Mahmudullah for a duck. In his next over, the Zimbabwean dismissed Mehedi Hasan Miraz for one and Bangladesh were reeling on that stage with the threat of being bundled out cheaply. But Zimbabwe gave the host a reprieve as Jarvis, who bowled an outstanding spell of two overs picking up three wickets without conceding a run, was pulled off the attack. The host utilised it fully as Imrul and new batsman Saifuddin formed a century stand that helped the Tigers post a winning total.
