Cricket is more than just a game in countries like Bangladesh National Cricket Team vs Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Match Scorecard—it’s a passion that unites millions. When these two teams face off, the excitement is palpable, with fans eagerly awaiting every run, wicket, and moment of brilliance. In this article, we’ll dive into a memorable match between the Bangladesh National Cricket Team and the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team, specifically the 1st T20I played on May 3, 2024, at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram. We’ll break down the scorecard, highlight key performances, and explain what made this match a standout. Whether you’re a die-hard cricket fan or someone just curious about the game, this article is written to be engaging and easy to understand for all ages. Let’s get started!
The Stage: A T20 Showdown in Chattogram
The match was part of Zimbabwe’s tour of Bangladesh in 2024, a series that showcased the growing competitiveness between these two teams. It was the first of a five-match T20I series, and both sides were eager to set the tone. Bangladesh, playing at home, had the advantage of familiar conditions, while Zimbabwe aimed to pull off an upset with their mix of experience and young talent. The Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, known for its lively atmosphere, was the perfect setting for this clash.
T20 cricket is fast-paced, with each team getting 20 overs to score as many runs as possible or restrict their opponents. It’s a format that demands aggression, quick thinking, and adaptability—qualities both teams brought to the table. Bangladesh won the toss and elected to field first, a decision that would shape the match’s narrative.
Zimbabwe’s Innings: A Rocky Start and a Late Fightback
Zimbabwe took to the crease first, aiming to set a challenging total. However, Bangladesh’s bowlers had other plans. Let’s break down their innings through the scorecard and key moments.
Zimbabwe Batting Scorecard
|
Batsman |
Dismissal |
Runs |
Balls |
4s |
6s |
Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Joylord Gumbie † |
c Taskin Ahmed b Mohammad Saifuddin |
17 | 14 | 4 | 0 | 121.42 |
|
Craig Ervine |
b Mahedi Hasan |
0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
Brian Bennett |
run out (Mahmudullah/†Jaker Ali) |
16 | 15 | 3 | 0 | 106.66 |
|
Sean Williams |
b Taskin Ahmed |
0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
Sikandar Raza (c) |
c Litton Das b Mahedi Hasan |
0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
Clive Madande |
b Taskin Ahmed |
43 | 39 | 6 | 0 | 110.25 |
|
Ryan Burl |
c Rishad Hossain b Taskin Ahmed |
0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
Luke Jongwe |
c Towhid Hridoy b Mohammad Saifuddin |
2 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 33.33 |
|
Wellington Masakadza |
run out (Najmul Hossain Shanto) |
34 | 38 | 2 | 2 | 89.47 |
|
Blessing Muzarabani |
b Mohammad Saifuddin |
1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 |
|
Richard Ngarava |
not out |
2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 |
|
Extras |
(b 1, lb 4, nb 1, w 3) |
9 | ||||
|
Total |
20 Overs (RR: 6.20) |
124 |
Fall of Wickets: 1-8 (Ervine, 1.2 ov), 2-36 (Gumbie, 4.6 ov), 3-36 (Bennett, 5.1 ov), 4-36 (Raza, 5.2 ov), 5-38 (Williams, 6.1 ov), 6-38 (Burl, 6.2 ov), 7-41 (Jongwe, 7.4 ov), 8-116 (Madande, 18.3 ov), 9-119 (Muzarabani, 19.2 ov), 10-124 (Masakadza, 19.6 ov)
Bowling Analysis
|
Bowler |
Overs |
Maidens |
Runs |
Wickets |
Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Shoriful Islam |
4 | 0 | 37 | 0 | 9.25 |
|
Mahedi Hasan |
4 | 1 | 16 | 2 | 4.00 |
|
Taskin Ahmed |
4 | 0 | 14 | 3 | 3.50 |
|
Mohammad Saifuddin |
4 | 0 | 15 | 3 | 3.75 |
|
Rishad Hossain |
4 | 0 | 37 | 0 | 9.25 |
Key Moments in Zimbabwe’s Innings
Zimbabwe’s innings got off to a shaky start. Craig Ervine, a key batsman, was bowled by Mahedi Hasan for a duck in the second over, setting a cautious tone. Joylord Gumbie and Brian Bennett tried to stabilize things, but Gumbie’s soft dismissal and Bennett’s run-out left Zimbabwe at 36/3 after 5.1 overs. The situation worsened when captain Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams fell in quick succession, both for zero, leaving Zimbabwe reeling at 38/5 after 6.1 overs. Taskin Ahmed was the wrecker-in-chief, claiming three wickets with an economy of 3.50, earning him the Player of the Match award.
However, Clive Madande and Wellington Masakadza showed resilience. Madande’s 43 off 39 balls, with six fours, was a gritty effort, while Masakadza’s 34 off 38 balls, including two sixes, provided a late boost. Their 50-run partnership for the eighth wicket was a highlight, helping Zimbabwe reach 124 before being bowled out in the final over. Bangladesh’s bowlers, particularly Taskin and Mohammad Saifuddin (3/15), kept the pressure on, ensuring Zimbabwe couldn’t post a daunting total.
Bangladesh’s Chase: A Dominant Display
Chasing 125, Bangladesh approached the target with confidence. Their batting lineup, led by the young Tanzid Hasan, made light work of the chase. Here’s how it unfolded.
Bangladesh Batting Scorecard
|
Batsman |
Dismissal |
Runs |
Balls |
4s |
6s |
Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Tanzid Hasan |
not out |
67 | 47 | 8 | 2 | 142.55 |
|
Litton Das |
b Muzarabani |
1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 33.33 |
|
Najmul Hossain Shanto (c) |
c Williams b Jongwe |
21 | 24 | 1 | 0 | 87.50 |
|
Towhid Hridoy |
not out |
33 | 18 | 5 | 1 | 183.33 |
|
Extras |
(lb 1, w 3) |
4 | ||||
|
Total |
15.2 Overs (RR: 8.21) |
126/2 |
Did not bat: Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali †, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Rishad Hossain, Mohammad Saifuddin
Fall of Wickets: 1-5 (Litton Das, 1.2 ov), 2-57 (Najmul Hossain Shanto, 9.2 ov)
Bowling Analysis
|
Bowler |
Overs |
Maidens |
Runs |
Wickets |
Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Richard Ngarava |
4 | 0 | 24 | 0 | 6.00 |
|
Blessing Muzarabani |
4 | 0 | 31 | 1 | 7.75 |
|
Sikandar Raza |
4 | 0 | 31 | 0 | 7.75 |
|
Brian Bennett |
1 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 10.00 |
|
Luke Jongwe |
1.2 | 0 | 14 | 1 | 10.50 |
|
Ainsley Ndlovu |
1 | 0 | 15 | 0 | 15.00 |
Key Moments in Bangladesh’s Innings
Bangladesh’s chase started with a hiccup as Litton Das was bowled by Blessing Muzarabani for just 1 run in the second over. However, Tanzid Hasan and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto steadied the ship with a 52-run partnership. Tanzid’s aggressive 67 not out off 47 balls, including eight fours and two sixes, was the backbone of the chase. Shanto’s 21 off 24 provided support until he was caught by Sean Williams off Luke Jongwe.
Towhid Hridoy then joined Tanzid, and their unbeaten 69-run partnership sealed the deal. Hridoy’s 33 off 18 balls, with five fours and a six, was explosive, ensuring Bangladesh crossed the finish line in just 15.2 overs. Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs, with only Muzarabani and Jongwe taking wickets.
Turning Points of the Match
Several moments defined this match:
-
Taskin Ahmed’s Spell: Taskin’s three wickets, including the dismissals of Williams, Burl, and Madande, triggered a collapse that restricted Zimbabwe to 124. His ability to bowl tight lines at 3.50 runs per over was crucial.
-
Zimbabwe’s Middle-Order Collapse: Losing four wickets for just two runs between overs 5.1 and 6.2 put Zimbabwe on the back foot. The quick dismissals of Raza, Williams, and Burl were game-changers.
-
Madande-Masakadza Partnership: The 50-run stand between Clive Madande and Wellington Masakadza gave Zimbabwe a fighting chance, pushing their total past 100.
-
Tanzid Hasan’s Unbeaten Knock: Tanzid’s 67 not out was a masterclass in controlled aggression, ensuring Bangladesh chased the target with ease.
-
Rain Interruptions: Brief rain delays disrupted Bangladesh’s chase, but they didn’t derail the momentum, as Tanzid and Hridoy accelerated post-breaks.
Player Performances That Stood Out
-
Taskin Ahmed (Bangladesh): Named Player of the Match, Taskin’s 3/14 in 4 overs was a match-defining performance. His pace and accuracy dismantled Zimbabwe’s batting.
-
Tanzid Hasan (Bangladesh): His unbeaten 67 was a breakout performance, showcasing his potential as a future star.
-
Clive Madande (Zimbabwe): Scoring 43 under pressure, Madande showed composure beyond his years.
-
Mohammad Saifuddin (Bangladesh): With 3/15, Saifuddin complemented Taskin, ensuring Zimbabwe couldn’t recover.
-
Towhid Hridoy (Bangladesh): His quickfire 33 not out added flair to the chase, sealing the victory in style.
Why This Match Matters
This match was more than just a T20I—it was a statement of intent from Bangladesh. After a mixed run in international cricket, their dominant eight-wicket win set the tone for the series, which they led 1-0. For Zimbabwe, the loss highlighted their reliance on a few key players and the need for their top order to fire. The match also showcased emerging talents like Tanzid Hasan and Clive Madande, giving fans hope for the future.
The rivalry between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe has grown fiercer over the years. While Bangladesh has often had the upper hand at home, Zimbabwe’s ability to pull off upsets keeps the contest exciting. This game, with its blend of tight bowling, gritty batting, and a clinical chase, was a microcosm of their competitive spirit.
The Bigger Picture: Series Context
This victory was a morale booster for Bangladesh, who had faced criticism for inconsistent performances. For Zimbabwe, it was a reminder of the challenges of playing away against a strong spin-heavy side. The series, part of Zimbabwe’s 2024 tour, was a chance for both teams to fine-tune their squads ahead of major ICC events. Bangladesh’s spinners, led by Mahedi Hasan, and their pace attack, spearheaded by Taskin and Saifuddin, showed they could dominate in home conditions.
Conclusion: A Game to Remember
The 1st T20I between Bangladesh National Cricket Team vs Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Match Scorecard on May 3, 2024, was a thrilling display of T20 cricket. Bangladesh’s clinical performance, driven by Taskin’s bowling and Tanzid’s batting, secured a comfortable win, but Zimbabwe’s fightback through Madande and Masakadza added drama. The scorecard tells a story of pressure, resilience, and skill, making it a match to remember for fans of both teams.
