Shoriful, openers shine as Tigers earn consolation victory

Pacer Shoriful Islam claimed four wickets before openers Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Soumya Sarkar struck half-centuries as Bangladesh registered a consolation seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the third and final ODI at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday.

Having already conceded the series after losing the opening two matches, the visitors produced a clinical all-round display to finish the series on a positive note.

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After electing to field, the visitors bundled Zimbabwe out for 199 in 48.1 overs, with Shoriful returning figures of 4/44. Taskin Ahmed and Tanvir Islam chipped in with two wickets apiece as Bangladesh dominated with the ball for most of the innings.

In reply, Tanzid and Soumya laid the foundation for an easy chase with a commanding 151-run opening partnership – highest away opening stand for Bangladesh – effectively taking the game away from the hosts. Zimbabwe's sloppy fielding compounded their misery, with the hosts putting down five catches during Bangladesh's innings.

Soumya was the first to depart after scoring 69 off 82 balls, smashing six fours and two sixes before being dismissed by Tanaka Chivanga.

Tanzid looked set for his second ODI century but fell for 94 off 101 deliveries, hitting eight fours and three sixes before being caught by Brad Evans at long-on off Ernest Masuku. Masuku then dismissed Tawhid Hridoy for a duck three balls later, briefly delaying Tigers’ victory.

However, Najmul Hossain Shanto remained unbeaten on 18 as Bangladesh comfortably reached the target with 14 overs to spare.

Earlier, Bangladesh had Zimbabwe under severe pressure after reducing them to 108 for six.

Shoriful struck early to remove Ben Curran for two and Craig Ervine for five, while Taskin dismissed Brian Bennett for six as Zimbabwe stumbled in the first hour.

Innocent Kaia and Wessly Madhevere steadied the innings with a 51-run stand for the fourth wicket before Bangladesh once again tightened their grip by claiming three quick wickets.

Madhevere, however, fought back with a well-made 75 off 74 balls, while Brad Evans continued his impressive form with 50 off 43 deliveries – his second successive half-century of the series – to help Zimbabwe post a competitive 199.

The two teams will now shift their focus to the three-match T20I series in Bulawayo, with the opening match scheduled for Wednesday.