Wessly Madhevere and Sikandar Raza came out with all guns blazing to help Zimbabwe post a mammoth total against Bangladesh in the opening game of the three-match T20 International series at Harare Sports Club on Saturday.
Madhevere who retired hurt in the last over scored 67 off 46, hitting nine fours and Raza wrecked havoc on Bangladeshi bowling to blast an unbeaten 65 off just 26, hammering seven fours and four towering sixes as Zimbabwe racked up 205-3.
It was Zimbabwe's second highest T20 total, behind the 236 they scored against Singapore earlier this month.
Bangladesh only once could successfully chase a 200 plus total, against Sri Lanka when they made 215-5 in 2018.
However, Bangladesh still could gain the confidence that they successfully chased down Zimbabwe's 199 to make 200 at home in 2020 and 193 at Harare last year.
Bangladesh indeed scored 200 plus thrice in their previous 128-match history in this format.
Mustafizur Rahman was the successful bowler for Bangladesh, taking two wickets but he had to concede 50 runs in four overs. Mosaddek Hossain claimed the rest of the one fallen wicket.
Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine opted to bat first, considering that the pitch will be easier to bat on but Mustafizur gave Bangladesh the breakthrough in the third over, dismissing Regis Chakabva for 8.
Mosaddek then took the key wicket of Ervine after he scored 21 as Zimbabwe were left to 43-2 after the first power play.
Madhevere and Sean Williams added 56 runs for the third wicket to lay a solid platform before Mustafizur undid the latter with a slower for 33.
Raza was survived on 3 when Taskin dropped a tough chance at fine leg of Mustafizur bowling but he then bludgeoned the Bangladeshi bowler in some style to keep the side soaring high.
Madhevere played patiently yet fluently to keep the visitors at bay. With their contrasting approach they shared 91-run off just 38 balls to help the side propel past 200 runs mark.
Source: BSS