A roaring Bangladesh side continued to reign supreme over Zimbabwe as the hosts registered a 21-run win over the visitors yesterday to go 4-0 up in the five-ODI series in Mirpur. The Tigers will get the rare chance to post only their second ever whitewash in a five-ODI series when the two teams face each other in the fifth match this Monday at the same venue. This is Bangladesh’s 13th five-ODI series.
Having already secured the series in the third ODI last Wednesday in a convincing manner, the Tigers availed the opportunity of experimenting with their squad. Left-arm spinner Arafat Sunny, who took 10 wickets in the first three ODIs, made way for 19-year old debutant Jubair Hossain, Imrul Kayes came in place of Mominul Haque while Abul Hasan replaced the injured Shafiul Islam.
Batting first, Bangladesh scored 256 for the loss of eight wickets in their 50 overs, thanks to a 134-run match-saving stand for the fifth wicket between Mahmudullah (82*) and Mushfiqur Rahim (77 off 78 balls). In reply, Zimbabwe were restricted to 235/8 in 50 overs with Shakib al Hasan (2/28), Jubair (2/42) and Rubel Hossain (2/48) sharing six wickets between them. Although ODI skipper Mashrafe bin Mortaza picked up one wicket, he conceded just 34 runs from his quota of 10 overs. Even though the visitors fell short by 21 runs, this was a much improved display as it was their first 200+ score in the ongoing ODI series.
The Zimbabwean openers – Hamilton Masakadza (28) and Vusi Sibanda (17) – gave their side a solid start putting on 48 runs. Shakib, however, provided some much-needed breakthroughs dismissing both the opening batsmen.
This bilateral series has been a memorable one for Shakib to say the least. The majestic all-rounder has broken all sorts of records and yesterday was no exception. Shakib is now the highest run-getter (1825) and best wicket-taker (78) in Mirpur. The left-armer’s two wickets also enabled him to 60 ODI wickets against Zimbabwe, the highest for any bowler against the Southern African nation.
Following the Zimbabwean openers’ departure, Timycen Maruma (six) went back to the hut cheaply. Brendan Taylor (63 off 69 balls) and Solomon Mire (52 off 54 balls) then arrived at the crease and added 106 runs for the fourth wicket to resurrect Zimbabwe’s chase.
However, once the duo departed Zimbabwe were on the backfoot, their reply eventually petering out to 235.
The Tigers though would not have envisaged such a victory after earlier reeling at 32/4. Tamim Iqbal (16), Anamul Haque (five), Imrul (five) and Shakib (one) all made their way to the dressing room for an early shower. And the chief architects behind the early inroads were Mire (3/49) and Neville Madziva (3/60).
Then came Mahmudullah and Mushfiq’s face-saving association for the fifth wicket. Their 134-run partnership is the highest stand for the fifth wicket in Mirpur.
With Bangladesh on 32/4, it appeared that they would struggle to cross the 200-run mark. However, once the fifth-wicket duo were done with their rescue work the Tigers were well and truly on their way to 250.
Mahmudullah struck half a dozen boundaries while Mushfiq carted seven fours. Mahmudullah’s unbeaten knock is his highest score in ODIs and his 10th fifty. Mushfiq on the other hand raced to his 18th ODI fifty.
A fit-Mashrafe will be vital if Bangladesh are to fare well in the 2015 ICC World Cup in Australia-New Zealand. The Narail Express proved it once again as he is not only the spearhead of the Tigers’ bowling department but also a reliable hitter down the order in the latter stages of a game. Mashrafe’s whirlwind 39 off 25 balls, featuring four boundaries and two sixes, ensured Bangladesh would reach the 250-mark.
In the midst of all the celebrations and jubilations surrounding the fourth ODI victory, the Tigers did not forget to spare a thought for departed Australian cricketer Phillip Joel Hughes. Following the end of the game, Mahmudullah, on behalf of Bangladesh, dedicated the win to Hughes at a time when the whole world is mourning the passing away of the talented Australian opener. Hughes passed away last Thursday at St Vincent’s hospital in Sydney after getting hit on the neck by a bouncer in a first-class match last Tuesday. The 25-year old left behind his father, mother, brother, sister, friends and millions of well-wishers.
