Ngarava marks ODI captaincy debut with Zimbabwe win over Bangladesh

HARARE: Richard Ngarava enjoyed a successful first outing as Zimbabwe’s One-day International captain, contributing with both bat and ball as the hosts beat Bangladesh by 25 runs in the opening match of the three-game series at the Harare Sports Club on Monday.

After being sent in to bat, Zimbabwe were dismissed for 141. Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana was the standout performer in the innings, taking 6-21 in his 10 overs, including two maidens. Those were the best bowling figures by a Bangladeshi in an ODI.

Zimbabwe’s batting effort was led by Newman Nyamhuri, who top-scored with 33. Ngarava made 27, while Innocent Kaia added 26. Sikandar Raza, usually among Zimbabwe’s most productive batters, scored only one before becoming Rana’s first wicket, with the home side slipping to 45-4. A 63-run partnership for the eighth wicket between Ngarava and Nyamhuri helped Zimbabwe recover and post a total that at least gave their bowlers something to defend.

Bangladesh, however, were unable to capitalise despite requiring only 2.84 runs per over to reach the target. They were bowled out for 116, with just three batters managing double figures. Nurul Hasan scored 31, Towhid Hridoy made 25 and captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz contributed 10.

The visitors’ only substantial stand came in a 49-run fourth-wicket partnership between Hridoy and Nurul Hasan. That alliance ended when Hridoy was caught by Ben Curran at deep third off Nyamhuri, who finished with 2-22.

Ngarava returned figures of 3-31 to go with his innings of 27, while Brad Evans also claimed three wickets, ending with 3-34, as Zimbabwe sealed the win. The result followed Zimbabwe’s innings victory over Bangladesh in the one-off Test, also in Harare.

Zimbabwe can wrap up the ODI series if they win the second match on Thursday. The third and final game is scheduled for Saturday.