Williams shines as match drifts to stalemate

Zimbabwe A 293 and 295 for 3 (Williams 85*, Chibahaba 70) drew with Bangladesh A 380
Scorecard

Zimbabwe A ended their short tour with a draw against Bangladesh A at Fatullah on a day where both sides agreed to forgo the final session as the match meandered to stalemate.

The only chance of a result was for Bangladesh A to take quick wickets, but on a batsman-friendly pitch only one wicket fell in 59 overs on the final day, that of Chamu Chibahaba. Resuming on 106 for 2, 19 runs ahead, Zimbabwe A made steady progress with few alarms as Chibahaba and Sean Williams added 138 for the third wicket. By the time Chibahaba was beaten by an Alok Kapali legbreak for 70, the game was dead.

Williams finished on 85 not out, adding to his 82 in the first innings, while Stuart Matsikenyeri finished the afternoon session with a quickfire 32 off 37 balls which included three sixes. Play was called off by mutual agreement at tea.

Zimbabwe were happy to end the tour with a draw as all their previous ODI and first-class matches had finished in defeat. Despite the result here, the trip highlighted the major problems facing the Zimbabweans as they prepare for their return to Test cricket next November.