Bangladeshi cricketers have given another joy to celebrate as they beat Zimbabwe by 186 runs in the third and final match of the 3 match test series thus white washing the visitors in the Test series. The bowlers worked very hard to get wickets as the pitch was still better even on the fifth day in Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium at Chittagong. Last 3 wickets of Zimbabwe were taken by pacers with the second new ball for just one run. Zimbabwean batsmen played the left arm spinners very well but lost their wickets to other spinners and pacers.Rubel and Shafiul bowled with good pace to generate swing and bounce what was too much for Zimbabwean tail. Even though Zimbabwe is not a strong opponent, this series was so important for Bangladesh. They have not won any match against a Test playing team until the series and they had to beat the visitors to climb up in the test rankings.
The Zimbabwe was bowled out for 262 chasing 449 runs as the Bangladeshi bowlers put up a disciplined and accurate performance. Regis Chakabva offered some resistance, hitting an unbeaten 89. Sikandar Raza scored 65 while Hamilton Masakadza made 38. Captain Brendan Taylor scored 24.
Fast bowlers Rubel Hossain (2-16), Shafiul Islam (2-17), leg-spinner Jubair Hossain (2-56) and part time off-spinner Shuvagata Hom (2-66) claimed two wickets apiece. Taijul Islam and Mahmudullah picked up one wicket each. Bangladesh won the first test by three wickets and the second test by 162 runs to send Zimbabwe to the bottom of the ICC test rankings.
Tenth team in rakings will have to play against the winner of the intercontinental cup which will be an associate side to save their test status. The way the associates are improving it is a danger to play against them. Bangladesh ranked tenth before the series, but with the 3-0 victory they now rank nine and Zimbabwe rank tenth. So unfortunately Zimbabwe have to save their test status by beating the top associate side. – News Desk
