ZIM vs BAN 3rd ODI Live: Zimbabwe Scored 199

HARARE: A resilient rearguard partnership between Wessly Madhevere and Brad Evans rescued Zimbabwe from a catastrophic batting collapse, guiding the hosts to 199 all out in 48.1 overs during the third and final ODI against Bangladesh at the Harare Sports.

Opting to bowl first on a surface offering early assistance, Bangladesh’s pace attack vindicated their captain's decision immediately. Left-arm seamer Shoriful Islam spearheaded the destruction, dismantling the Zimbabwean top order with a fiery opening spell. Zimbabwe found themselves in dire straits at 78 for 4, as Shoriful's precision and movement accounted for key early wickets, leaving the home side's hopes of a 3-0 series whitewash in jeopardy.

However, Madhevere and Evans staged a phenomenal counter-offensive to rebuild the innings. The duo exhibited immense composure, carefully weathering the initial storm before rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries. Madhevere anchored the innings with a mature 75 off 74 balls, anchoring the middle overs with calculated aggression. At the other end, Evans provided stellar support, bringing up a crucial half-century (50 off 43 balls) to frustrate the Bangladeshi bowling unit. 

The breakthrough came when Shoriful returned for his second spell, breaking the stubborn stand and triggering a lower-order slide. Shoriful finished as the pick of the bowlers with stellar figures of 4 for 44. 

Despite the collapse of the tail, Zimbabwe's fighting total of 199 gives their bowlers a target to defend as they eye a historic clean sweep. Bangladesh, playing for pride after losing the first two fixtures, now require 200 runs at an asking rate of 4.00 runs per over to avoid a comprehensive series defeat.

Watch Zim vs Ban 3rd ODI live on tapmad.