Zimbabwe restrict Bangladesh to 256 for 9

Bangladesh 256 for 9 (Afif 85*, Anamul 76, Jongwe 2-38, Evans 2-53) vs Zimbabwe

Despite half-centuries from Afif Hossain and Anamul Haque Zimbabwe restricted Bangladesh to 256 for 9 in the third ODI, ensuring they have a much easier chase than the first two matches. Having already won the series, the home side will be aiming for their first ODI whitewash over a Full Member in 21 years.

The visitors, once again sent to bat first, found themselves in trouble after being reduced to 206 for 6 in the 42nd over. Afif had to farm the strike for the rest of the innings. While he top-scored with an unbeaten 85 and Anamul made 76, his second half-century in the series, it was generally a flat performance from Bangladesh.

Anamul made a meal of his call for a single with Tamim Iqbal, resulting in the captain being run out for 19. In the next over, Brad Evans removed Zimbabwe Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim as Bangladesh slipped from 41 for no loss to 47 for 3.

Shanto, who has been struggling to convert his starts into a big score, was out for a first-ball duck. He couldn't keep his cut down and was caught by Wessly Madhevere at point. Three balls later, Mushfiqur Rahim's uppercut was well caught by Richard Ngarava, running in from deep third.

Anamul made up for his earlier folly by adding 77 runs for the fourth wicket with Mahmudullah. He struck six fours and four sixes in his 71-ball 76. He struck his first six over extra cover off Ngarava, shortly after running out Tamim. He hooked the same bowler in his next over, before pasting Evans for two more sixes over square leg.

But Luke Jongwe removed him with a beauty; the ball moved away ever so slightly to take the outside edge and gave wicketkeeper Clive Madande his first ODI catch. Zimbabwe missed a chance shortly afterwards when Innocent Kaia dropped Afif Hossain, on two, off his own bowling.

Afif and Mahmudullah added 49 runs for the fifth wicket, but it was clear that they batted in the knowledge that they were the last recognised pair. Ngarava had Mahmudullah dragging on to his stumps in the 35th over, the batter walking back for a slow 39 off 69 balls.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz gave Afif a bit of company but was lbw to Sikandar Raza for 14, which left Afif to bat with the long tail for the last eight overs. He struck six fours and two sixes to stay unbeaten on 85 off 81 balls.

Zimbabwe, who bowled well in every phase of the innings, conceded only 67 runs in the last ten overs.

Source: ESPNcricinfo