Bangladesh win second ODI to take unassailable 2-0 lead in series

Imrul Kayes was named man of the match for his 76

Bangladesh beat Zimbabwe in the second ODI by runs to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series in Mirpur. After winning the first match by a huge 145 runs, Bangladesh put in another good display in the second ODI to defend their total and win by 58 runs.

Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to field and put in a good bowling display to restrict the hosts to a score of 241/9. However, their batting failed as they were bundled out for 183 runs in 43.2 overs.

Bangladesh opener Imrul Kayes was the top scorer for his team as he scored an aggressive 76 runs off 89 balls that included six fours and four sixes. When Kayes was dismissed it was 151/5 and it seemed like the Bangladesh innings would wrap up soon. Kayes was named the man of the match.

However, lower middle-order batsmen Sabbir Rahman and Nasir Hossain came up with useful scores of 33 and 41 respectively to help their team reach a respectable score. Centurion in the previous match, Mushfiqur Rahim, was only able to score 21.

For Zimbabwe, Tinashe Panyangara was the pick of the bowlers as he picked up 3 wickets for 41 runs in his ten overs. Taurai Muzarabani and Graeme Cremer picked up two wickets each.

Bangladesh missed the services of all-rounder Shakib-Al-Hasan, who went to be with his wife for the birth of his first child. Kayes was brought in as a replacement for Shakib and made his chance count, but Bangladesh could not build on his innings and make a big score.

In reply, the Zimbabwe batsmen failed to stay long enough at the crease to chase down the mediocre total. Captain Elton Chigumbura was the top scorer for the visitors as he scored 47 off 77 balls.

Chigumbura's 73-run fifth-wicket partnership with Sikandar Raza did give Zimbabwe some hope, but Bangladesh picked up both their wickets in the space of six balls. Raza, who has been one of the better performers for Zimbabwe, scored 33 runs off 42 balls.

20-year-old Bangladesh bowler Mustafizur Rahman picked up 3/33 in eight overs and was the best bowler for the hosts. Al-Amin Hossain and Nasir Hossain picked up two wickets each. Zimbabwe lost their last six wickets for just 32 runs.

Zimbabwe's ODI position is now in jeopardy as they are just one point ahead of 11th placed Ireland. They will be looking to put in a better performance in the third and final ODI to be held on November 11, which will be followed by two T20Is.