Zimbabwe have clinched the ODI series against Bangladesh after grinding out a 13-run victory in the second match at Harare Sports Club on Thursday 9th July 2026. Posting 247 for 6 from their 50 overs, the hosts then held their nerve with the ball to dismiss Bangladesh for 234 in 48.1 overs — a result that will certainly shift the outright series odds heading into any remaining fixtures and firmly establishes Zimbabwe's credentials on home soil.
Curran's Century Sets the Platform
The innings was anchored magnificently by Ben Curran, who finished unbeaten on 111 from 135 deliveries — a knock that included an impressive strike rate of 82.22 and spanned 190 minutes at the crease. It was the kind of innings that wins matches, blending patience with positive intent when the moment demanded it. Sikandar Raza contributed a vital 33 from 53 balls before falling to Miraz, while Brad Evans added a punchy 58 not out from just 38 deliveries at the death, giving Zimbabwe's total real substance in the final overs. Bangladesh's best bowler on the day was Taskin Ahmed, who took two wickets from his 10 overs for 57 runs, whilst Mehidy Hasan Miraz was remarkably economical, conceding only 32 runs from 10 overs and claiming two scalps of his own.
Bangladesh's Chase Falls Just Short
Bangladesh's reply was competitive but ultimately fell agonisingly short. Tanzid Hasan Tamim top-scored with 57 from 70 balls, putting on a solid platform alongside Tawhid Hridoy, who made 60 from 90 deliveries before being caught by Evans off Madhevere. Nurul Hasan Sohan threatened to drag Bangladesh over the line with a rapid 38 from 41 balls, but once he was removed — caught by a substitute fielder off the bowling of Richard Ngarava — the lower order could not sustain the required run rate. Shoriful Islam and Nahid Rana found themselves at the crease with far too much still to do, and the innings concluded at 234 all out in the 49th over.
Ngarava Leads a Disciplined Zimbabwe Attack
From a bowling perspective, Zimbabwe skipper Richard Ngarava was the standout performer, claiming three wickets from 9.1 overs at an economy of 6.00 — expensive in raw terms, but his wickets at crucial junctures proved decisive. Blessing Muzarabani chipped in with two dismissals, and Brad Evans was equally impressive with two wickets of his own at 5.33 per over. Wesley Madhevere and Sikandar Raza each took one wicket, underlining the collective team effort that defined Zimbabwe's performance across both innings. Bangladesh's 14 wides did little to help their cause, gifting Zimbabwe unnecessary breathing room throughout the chase.
Scorecard Summary
Zimbabwe: 247 for 6 (50 overs) — Ben Curran 111*, Brad Evans 58*, Sikandar Raza 33. Taskin Ahmed 2-57, Mehidy Hasan Miraz 2-32.
Bangladesh: 234 all out (48.1 overs) — Tawhid Hridoy 60, Tanzid Hasan Tamim 57, Nurul Hasan Sohan 38. Richard Ngarava 3-55, Brad Evans 2-48, Blessing Muzarabani 2-33.
Zimbabwe won by 13 runs.
As a former coach, I know how difficult it is to build a winning culture in bilateral series, and Zimbabwe deserve genuine credit for backing themselves here. With the series secured, they will be keen to complete a clean sweep if further matches follow. For Bangladesh, the batting showed enough promise to suggest this tour is not a disaster, but their bowling lacked the discipline required to contain a well-structured Zimbabwe line-up. A thorough review of their wide count and death bowling will be high on the agenda before their next assignment.
