Bangladesh concluded their Under-19 World Cup campaign with a great win in the BAN vs ZIM match, thanks to an outstanding five-wicket haul by Iqbal Hossain Emon. Despite a late charge by Zimbabwe, Bangladesh were always in command to register a consolation win in their final Super Six match.
While chasing a competitive target of 254, Zimbabwe never really recovered from the initial setbacks and came up short despite a record-breaking ninth-wicket partnership.
Emon’s Early Burst Destroys Zimbabwe’s Top Order
The tone was set from the very beginning by Iqbal Hossain Emon, who bowled an opening spell that was devastating. He got rid of both Zimbabwean openers early and went on to take four of the first five wickets, decimating the top order with pace and accuracy.
Zimbabwe’s hopes were dashed from promise to peril as they slumped from 54/5 to 104/7, effectively losing the chase in the first half of the innings.
Al Fahad Provides Perfect Support with the New Ball
Emon was ably supported by Al Fahad, who bowled a very effective spell. Fahad ended with 3 wickets for 39 runs, including the last wicket when he bowled Webster Madhidhi, officially wrapping up a win for Bangladesh. His varied bowling, especially his slower balls, kept Zimbabwe on their toes all through the chase.
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Late Resistance Sets Zimbabwe Record but Comes Too Late
The only positive aspect for Zimbabwe was that Simbarashe Mudzengerere scored a composed 70, which was followed by a 64-run ninth-wicket partnership with Shelton Mazvitorera, which was Zimbabwe’s highest ninth-wicket partnership in Youth ODIs.
But by the time this partnership was at its best, the required run rate had already gone out of hand. Fahad finally dismissed Mudzengerere with a well-disguised slower bouncer.
Azizul Hakim Anchors Bangladesh Batting Effort
Earlier in the match, Bangladesh’s innings was anchored by a responsible knock of 59 off 87 deliveries by captain Azizul Hakim, who was batting at number 3. He had brought much-needed stability to the innings before getting one behind off Tatenda Chimugoro.
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Rizan Hossan was just one run short of a half-century, with Michael Blignaut getting him out for 47 as Bangladesh were reduced to 153/4 and eventually 211/8 with less than four overs remaining.
Late Flourish Pushes Bangladesh Past 250
However, despite the Zimbabwe bowlers being in excellent control for most of the innings, the final over completely swung the momentum in favor of Bangladesh. Webster Madhidhi conceded 22 runs in the final over as Emon and Fahad went all out on the attack.
The over consisted of two fours, a six, and two wides, taking Bangladesh’s total to a competitive 253, which turned out to be more than enough.
BAN vs ZIM: Bangladesh Bowlers Dominate to Close Campaign Positively
The aggressive opening with the ball by Emon and Fahad ensured that Bangladesh maintained their lead for the rest of the game. Although both teams had already been eliminated from the semi-finals, Bangladesh ended the tournament with something positive to take away. It was only when Fahad took the final wicket that the BAN vs ZIM match had given Bangladesh a convincing and confidence-boosting win.
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