Bangladesh's dream of a maiden T20 series whitewash was shattered by a dominant Zimbabwe in the final match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. Their vulnerable batting, a recurring theme throughout the series, finally proved their undoing as they slumped to a crushing eight-wicket defeat.
Despite escaping defeats in the previous four matches thanks to Zimbabwe's inconsistent batting, Bangladesh's own frailties were exposed when the visitors finally found their rhythm. Set a modest target of 158 on a batting-friendly pitch, Zimbabwe chased it down with nine balls to spare, securing a consolation victory and a 4-1 series scoreline.
Opener Brian Bennett produced a stellar all-round performance, smashing a maiden T20 half-century (70 off 49 balls) and picking up two crucial wickets for just 20 runs. His knock, laced with five fours and six sixes, laid the foundation for the win. Captain Sikandar Raza (72 not out off 46 balls) finished the job with an unbeaten fifty, guiding his side to victory with ease.
The pair stitched together a crucial 75-run partnership for the second wicket after Shakib Al Hasan provided Bangladesh with an early breakthrough by dismissing Tadiwanashe Marumani for just 1 run. Unlike their previous outings, Zimbabwe's batting line-up displayed remarkable resilience, with Raza and Bennett adopting a cautious yet aggressive approach against the Bangladesh bowlers.
Bangladesh, seeking a clean sweep, once again witnessed a top-order collapse. Mahmudullah Riyad (54 off 44 balls) steadied the ship with a well-constructed fifty, but his knock wasn't enough to propel them to a competitive total. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto contributed 36 runs, while Jaker Ali Anik provided a late flourish with a quickfire 24 off 11 balls. Shakib Al Hasan chipped in with a handy 21.
Earlier, Soumya Sarkar provided a brisk start with a six in the first over, but Blessing Muzarabani (2-22) dismissed the in-form Taznid Hasan Tamim cheaply with a short ball. Off-spinner Brian Bennett, who also excelled with the ball (2-20), then removed Soumya for 7 and Towhid Hridoy for 1, leaving Bangladesh reeling at a precarious 15-3.Mahmudullah and Shanto's 69-run partnership offered a glimmer of hope, but Wellington Masakadza broke the stand by dismissing Shanto. Mahmudullah then added 39 runs with Shakib before falling prey to a slower delivery from Blessing Muzarabani. Luke Jongwe and Muzarabani picked up crucial wickets in the death overs to restrict Bangladesh to a below-par total.
