Dominant Bangladesh take 1-0 in the 3 match T20I series by winning the first T20I by 8 wickets

The change of formats did not change fortunes for Zimbabwe. Bangladesh continued its dominance over Zimbabwe on the tour and thrashed the hosts by 8 wickets in the first T20I.

Zimbabwe skipper Sikander Raza won the toss and elected to bat first in the first T20I. The hosts lost an early wicket in the second over when Marumai was dismissed by Mustafizur Rahman.

Chakabva played an aggressive knock of 43 from 22 balls that included 2 maximums and 5 boundaries. He was unfortunately run-out and Zimbabwe were reduced to 91-3 in 10.1 overs. Skipper Sikander Raza was dismissed in the same over without troubling the scorers.

Myers played a sensible inning of 35 from 22 balls that included 2 boundaries but was dismissed in the 15th over. The lower middle-order did not provide much resistance and the hosts were bowled out for 152 in 19 overs.

Mustafizur Rahman was the pick of the bowlers, picking up 3 wickets for 31 runs in 4 overs with Saifuddin and Shoriful Islam picking up 2 wickets apiece.

Bangladesh chased the target with ease

Bangladesh's openers started cautiously but once they got their eye in, they dominated the Zimbabwean bowling attack. The openers Naim and Soumya Sarkar added 102 runs in 13 overs before Sarkar was dismissed (run-out) for 50.

Bangladeshi skipper Mahmudullah was the next batsman dismissed, run-out for 15. But Naim held up one end and added 30 runs with Shakib Al Hasan to guide Bangladesh to an 8-wicket win.

Naim was unbeaten on 63 from 51 balls that included six boundaries. Shakib played the role of the aggressor and smashed 16 runs from 8 balls to lead Bangladesh to a comfortable win with seven balls to spare.

The second T20I will be played tomorrow i.e. on 23rd July 2021, at the Harare Sports Club.

About the author

Meit is a cricket journalist who has been writing for Sportskeeda since over eight years, writing listicles. A Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Legislative Laws and Company Secretary degree holder, Meit engages in ethical reporting by verifying information twice from multiple websites before penning down any content for the benefit of his readers.

A passionate fan of Team India, Cricket has a special place in his heart owing to the way the sport has continued to evolve over the years. He is also thrilled by the competitiveness on display across all formats in the sport. His favorite cricketer is Sachin Tendulkar and reckons that his childhood idol's dominance over world-class bowlers in the 1990s speaks volumes about his skills and achievements.

Meit has had the privilege of interviewing Indian speedster Ishant Sharma and India Women's legend Mithali Raj so far in his professional career.

If he ever laid his hands on a time machine, Meit would love to witness the 2023 ICC World Cup final between India and Australia and believes that ODIs should never be completely replaced by T20Is owing to the format's popularity.

When not working, he likes to read and travel.

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Zim Vs Ban 2021: Bangladesh thrash Zimbabwe by 8 wickets in the first T20I

Bangladesh chased the target with ease