Series: Bangladesh in Zimbabwe Nov 2021
Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Format: ODI
Toss: Bangladesh
Result: Bangladesh by 8 wickets
The Tigresses Awaken
Having not played an ODI since 2019 Bangladesh could have been forgiven for being a little rusty. Far from it as they crushed Zimbabwe in the first of three ODIs at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo.
Fahima Khatun won the toss and invited Zimbabwe to bat. Nothing in the wicket, in the wind, in the air, could have predicted the utter carnage that was to follow. Jahanara Alam (3-18) was quick and fiery, certainly too hot for the Zimbabwe top order, but a bad situation became worse with the spin attack. Salma Khatun (3-6) and then Nahida Akter (3-2). It was over before it had begun. Zimbabwe were left scratching their heads as they were bundled out for just 48 runs in 23.2 overs.
Bangladesh lost Murshida Khatun (7) and Sharmin Akter (8) early but were guided home with ease by Rumana Ahmed (16*) and Fargana Hoque (11*) to see them win by 8 wickets. It is Bangladesh’s biggest win in terms of wickets. Nahida Akter, Salma Khatun and Jahanara Alam all recorded their best ODI figures to date.
One didn’t see this coming. Bangladesh had not played international cricket for two years. Conversely, Zimbabwe have played Thailand, Ireland and South Africa Emerging players in 2021 so should have been match fit for this encounter. They will be hurting and no doubt will come out fighting harder in the second ODI. For Bangladesh it is obvious they were merely dozing and not asleep. The Tigresses are fully awake.
Scores:
Zimbabwe 48 (Precious Marange 17, Nahida Akter 3-2 Salma Khatun 3-6, Jahanara Alam 3-18) 23.2 overs
Bangladesh 49/2 (Rumana Ahmed 16*) 10.4 overs
Player of the Match: Jahanara Alam