Openers Imrul Kayes and Liton Das missed out on deserving centuries but ensured a seven-wicket series-clinching win for Bangladesh in the second one-day international sealing the three-match series in Chittagong on Wednesday.
Kayes hit 90 and his partner Das, who was the star for Bangladesh in the Asia Cup final against India a few weeks ago, made 83 runs as the duo shared a 148-run opening stand to lay a solid platform for Bangladesh’s cruising win. Chasing 247 for victory Bangladesh reached home in 44.1 overs.
Bangladesh lost two quick wickets after the mammoth opening stand but Mushfiqur Rahim and Kayes stitched another crucial 59-run stand to Bangladesh on the cusp of victory.
Earlier, Brendon Taylor top-scored with 75 for Zimbabwe but the visitors failed to capitalize on the good start and floundered to 246 for 7 after being in a comfortable position at 147 for 2 at the end of 30 overs.
Mohammad Saifuddin, playing in only his fifth ODI, left a mark with a three-wicket haul that bottled up pressure towards the end overs. Mustafizur Rahman and Mashrafe Mortaza were clinical, not allowing the batsmen a final flourish; Zimbabwe managed just 19 off the last five overs.
The third and final match of the series will be held at the same ground on Friday.