Abul Hasan breaks Zimbabwe hearts

Abul Hasan, in a superb all-round display, guided Bangladesh to a thrilling one-wicket win against Zimbabwe in Khulna, giving the hosts a 2-0 lead in the five-match ODI series. The game was settled in the 47th over, but Bangladesh, it appeared, were out of contention when they lost their ninth wicket for 170, still 24 short of victory. However Abul approached the task at hand with aggression, striking five fours in his unbeaten 22, to ease the pressure off his partner Kamrul Islam, who faced just two deliveries in the 25-run stand. The target of 194 was achieved also due to a lower-order recovery led by Noor Hossain's 65 and Alauddin Babu's 34-ball 30.

The win undid a fine effort from Zimbabwe's opening bowler Tendai Chitara, who grabbed 4 for 35, to blow away the Bangladesh top order. Offspinner Simon Mugava supported him with 3 for 31, and left the home team reeling at 47 for 6. But Noor added 76 with Tasamul Haque (26) and a further 31 with Babu. In a see-saw game, Zimbabwe were favourites when the ninth wicket fell but Abul crushed their hopes.

Abul was also the chief wrecker in the Zimbabwe innings, grabbing 5 for 26 to bowl out the opposition for a below-par score. Not that Zimbabwe were spineless; each of their top five got to double-digits but were unable their scores into anything substantial. Dean Mazhawidza (42) and Mazvita Zambuko (39) added 67 for the third wicket and helped take their team to a comfortable position at 171 for 4. But the rest of the line-up crumbled; Zimbabwe lost their last six wickets for 22, proving crucial in the outcome.