Matamba hails chevrons after 99-run victory over Bangladesh
Sports journalist Brian Matamba believes the Chevrons have reminded Zimbabweans that they are capable of not only causing upsets but also competing against any opposition after Zimbabwe bounced back from their defeat to Australia with a convincing 99-run victory over Bangladesh in the opening ODI of the tri-series in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
“After that defeat against Australia, the guys did well by bouncing back against Bangladesh. Against the Aussies, we struggled to reach 50 overs and we learnt our lesson by finishing them against Bangladesh, which is a right step in the right direction as we prepare for the World Cup,” said Matamba.
Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat first at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, recovering from an early collapse to post 271/8 in their allotted 50 overs before bowling Bangladesh out for 172 in 33.4 overs.
The Chevrons endured a difficult start, losing Brian Bennett for a duck, Ben Curran for six and Tafadzwa Tsiga for 16 to slump to 24/3.
However, Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine steadied the innings with a crucial 150-run partnership that brought Zimbabwe back into the contest.
Taylor scored 81 off 101 balls, striking 10 boundaries, while captain Ervine top-scored with 93 off 106 deliveries, including nine fours. Although both batters fell short of centuries, their partnership laid the foundation for Zimbabwe’s competitive total.
Wesley Madhevere added 17 before late contributions from Newman Nyamhuri and Wellington Masakadza, who both remained unbeaten on 21, helped Zimbabwe finish strongly.
Bangladesh’s Taskin Ahmed claimed three wickets for 44 runs, while Shoriful Islam took two. In reply, Bangladesh struggled to maintain momentum against Zimbabwe’s disciplined bowling attack.
Tanzid Hasan was their leading scorer with 46 off 38 balls, while Saif Hassan contributed 26. However, regular wickets prevented Bangladesh from building the partnerships needed to chase the target.
Brad Evans led the Zimbabwean attack with four wickets for 45 runs, while Wellington Masakadza and Sikandar Raza claimed two wickets apiece. Blessing Muzarabani and Nyamhuri also chipped in with a wicket each.
Bangladesh were eventually dismissed for 172, handing Zimbabwe a convincing 99-run victory. The match was also historic for Taylor, who surpassed legendary Andy Flower to become Zimbabwe’s highest run-scorer in ODI cricket history.
Craig Ervine was named Player of the Match for his crucial 93-run contribution. The victory offers the Chevrons renewed confidence as they continue their preparations for the World Cup.
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