Taylor, Sikandar lift Zimbabwe to 246/7 in 2nd ODI

Wicket keeper batsman Brendan Taylor’s responsible half century and Sikandar Raza’s timely knock in the middle helped Zimbabwe to post a decent total of 246 for 7 from their allotted 50 overs against host Bangladesh in the second ODI of the three-match series at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on Wednesday, BSS reported.

The right-handed wicket keeper batsman Taylor scored 75 runs off 73 balls hitting nine boundaries and during the process he made two important partnerships – 52 runs with Cephas Zhuwao (20) for the second wicket stand and 77 with Sean Williams (47) for the third wicket stand to take the team total to a comfortable position after Saifuddin brought early breakthrough for Bangladesh sending back skipper Hamilton Masakadza for 14.

When the duo were snatching the momentum from Bangladesh, Mahmudullah made the breakthrough for Bangladesh again, dismissing set batsman Taylor trapping him leg before wicket. Saifuddin scalped his second wicket haul taking the wicket of Williams to bring Bangladesh again in match. Williams played a patient knock of 47 runs off 76 balls laced with two boundaries before giving a back catch to wicket keeper Mushfiqur Rahim.

Sikandar Raza, who was deprived one run short from half century, looked solid with bat as he tried to revive Zimbabwe innings again contributing 41 runs for the fifth wicket stand with Williams before he perished to Mashrafe Bin Mortaza. Sikandar hit three boundaries and two over boundaries during his 61-ball stay on the crease.

After the departure of Sikandar, the tail enders failed to accelerate the run rate and eventually the Bangladesh bowlers restricted Zimbabwe to a moderate total.

Saifuddin was the pick of Bangladesh bowler as he claimed three Zimbabwe’s wickets conceding 45 runs.

Brief score: Zimbabwe – 246 for 7 in 50 overs, Taylor 75, Sikandar 49, Williams 47, Cephas Zhuwao 20, Moor 17, Saifuddin 3/45.