Zimbabwe produced a complete team performance to defeat Bangladesh by 13 runs in the second ODI at the Harare Sports Club on Friday. Riding on a magnificent unbeaten century from Ben Curran and a powerful late cameo from Brad Evans, the hosts posted a competitive 247/6 before their bowlers held their nerve to bowl Bangladesh out for 234 in 48.1 overs. The victory gave Zimbabwe an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, with Curran earning the Player of the Match award for his match-winning knock.
Ben Curran anchors Zimbabwe before Brad Evans provides the finishing flourish
After Bangladesh opted to bowl first, Zimbabwe endured an early setback when Brian Bennett departed for a duck in the opening over. Curran, however, steadied the innings with remarkable composure and built the foundation for a competitive total despite wickets falling at regular intervals. Curran found useful support from Sikandar Raza, who scored a patient 33, while Wesley Madhevere chipped in with 15 during the middle overs. Although Craig Ervine and Innocent Kaia failed to make significant contributions, Curran continued to rotate the strike and punished loose deliveries to keep the scoreboard moving.
The left-hander remained unbeaten on a superb 111 off 135 deliveries, striking nine boundaries in a flawless innings built on timing and patience. Zimbabwe’s innings received a huge boost in the closing overs as Brad Evans unleashed an aggressive assault, smashing 58 not out from just 38 balls with two fours and five towering sixes. His late acceleration helped Zimbabwe finish on 247/6 from their allotted 50 overs.
For Bangladesh, Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the most economical bowler, claiming 2/32 in his 10-over spell. Taskin Ahmed also picked up two wickets, while Nahid Rana and Rishad Hossain claimed one wicket each.
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Zimbabwe bowlers hold firm despite Bangladesh’s fighting chase
Bangladesh began their chase positively, with Tanzid Hasan Tamim leading the way through a fluent 57 off 70 deliveries. However, early wickets at the other end prevented the visitors from establishing complete control of the chase. Towhid Hridoy anchored the innings with a determined 60 off 90 balls, while Nurul Hasan added valuable momentum with a brisk 38. Mehidy also contributed 27, but Bangladesh struggled to build the big partnerships required after Zimbabwe’s disciplined attack kept striking at crucial moments.
Richard Ngarava led the bowling effort with three wickets, while Blessing Muzarabani and Evans picked up two wickets each to keep Bangladesh under constant pressure. Bennett and Wesley Madhevere chipped in with one wicket apiece, while Sikandar Raza also claimed a key scalp in the middle overs. Bangladesh required 14 runs with only one wicket remaining, but Zimbabwe held their composure as Ngarava wrapped up the innings in the 49th over. The visitors were bowled out for 234, falling 13 runs short of the target. With the victory, Zimbabwe sealed the ODI series 2-0 with one match still to play.
What a win from Zimbabwe to seal the series 💥#ZIMvBAN #ZimbabweCricket #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/9v2izACG26
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) July 10, 2026
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