HARARE: Bangladesh lost their last five wickets for 16 runs as Zimbabwe won a thrilling contest by five runs to gain an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match One-Day International (ODI) series.
Bangladesh, chasing 251 to win at Harare, lost the plot after Brian Vitori broke a 44-run partnership between Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah. Rahim, who reached his first ODI century, was the last wicket to fall as he holed out with four balls to spare. Off-spinner Prosper Utseya finished with three for 47 to help Zimbabwe win their third successive ODI after the hosts had also clinched the one-off Test between the two sides.
Earlier, Zimbabwe posted a competitive 250 on the board, courtesy a 142-run third-wicket partnership between Hamilton Masakadza and Tatenda Taibu. The pair came when the hosts were reduced to 39 for two and helped put the innings back on track.
Masakadza was first to go, dismissed for a well-made 74 as Taibu kept the score ticking. Wickets at the end ensured Zimbabwe could not accelerate but the target proved more than enough.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 17th, 2011.
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