Ban v Zim 4th T20I Review: Zimbabwe complete a remarkable turnaround

Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura returned to the playing XI on a winning note after deciding to bat first in the fourth and final T20I against Bangladesh at the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium in Khulna. The home side made three changes by bringing in Tamim Iqbal, Taskin Ahmed and Arafat Sunny, dropping Muktar Ali, Mohammad Shahid and Mosaddek Hossain. Apart from their captain, the visitors have included Luke Jongwe and Neville Madziva and have rested Sean Williams, Brian Vitori and Taurai Muzarabani.

Hamilton Masakadza, who had captained the side as Chigumbura was rested in the last two games, hammered a brilliant unbeaten 93 off 58 including 5 sixes and 8 fours to take his team to 180/4 that proved enough in the end. He lost his in-form opening partner Vusi Sibanda in the first over of the day however it didn’t deter him from playing his natural game. Wicket-keeper batsman Richmond Mutumbami gave his senior partner good support and contributed 32 off 25 inclusing 1 six and 3 fours.

The innings was given late push by the man who has been in brilliant ball-striking form, Malcolm Waller. He spanked 3 sixes and 1 four in a vital knock of 36 off 18 balls. Taskin Ahmed was the most economical bowler for the hosts going at 8 runs an over and picking up 1 wicket. Abu Hider (1/33), skipper Mashrafe Mortaza (1/40) and Shakib Al Hasan (1/35) were the others amongst wickets.

Neville Madziva gave his team a perfect start by removing Soumya Sarkar (11) and Tamim Iqbal (1) in the second over of the match. Tendai Chisoro once again impressed with his accuracy and picked up the big wicket of Sabbir Rahman (1) to reduce the home side to 13/3. He soon cleaned up Shakib (4) to put his team in pole position.

Mahmudullah and Imrul Kayes steadied the ship and took their team past fifty before the latter was dismissed by Sikandar Raza for 18. Raza also took the wicket of Nurul Hasan who made 15. Mashrafe Mortaza, fresh from his book launch, decided to take the matter in his hands and started hitting the ball as soon as he walked in. While he was there Bangladesh had a chance however his wicket and that of Mahmudullah sealed the match for the visitors.

Chisoro once again proved his worth by removing Mahmudullah in the 16^th over. The batsman made 54 off 41 including 5 fours and 2 sixes in a solid knock.  Mortaza’s enterprising 22 off 12 that featured 1 four and 2 huge sixes was ended by Madziva who finished the game with figures of 4/34. Abu Hider and Arafat Sunny swung their bat to decent effect however the asking rate was too steep to climb and the hosts were bowled out with one over to spare. Zimbabwe proved worthy winners by 18 runs and finished the series 2-2. Masakadza’s consistency was rewarded with 2 awards at the end of the game. After the first 2 loses not many would have given the visitors a chance, however, their performance should please their high profile coaching staff to no end.

Brief Scores:

Zimbabwe: 180/4 in 20 overs (H Masakadza 93*; T Ahmed 1/32)

Bangladesh: 162 in 19 overs (Mahmudullah 54; N Madziva 4/34)

Man of the Match: Hamilton Masakadza (Zimbabwe)

Man of the Series: Hamilton Masakadza (Zimbabwe)