Game-On Reporter
Kudzaiishe Zvaguma
Brief Scorecard
Bangladesh Emerging 364/— (50 overs)
Zimbabwe A 279 all out (48.5 overs)
Wessly Madhevere 116 (93)
Matthew Campbell 52 (57)
Bowling:
Ernest Masuku 3/70 (10 overs)
Antum Naqvi 2/57 (9 overs)
A superb century from Wessly Madhevere was not enough to prevent Zimbabwe A from slipping to an 85-run defeat against Bangladesh Emerging in the opening One-Day International of the series at Shahid Chandu Stadium on Monday.
Chasing a daunting target after Bangladesh Emerging posted a commanding total, Zimbabwe A were bowled out for 279 in 48.5 overs despite a valiant effort from Madhevere, who struck an entertaining 116 off 93 balls.
The Zimbabwe opener led the fightback with an aggressive innings that kept the visitors in contention for much of the chase. However, he found little support apart from Matthew Campbell, who contributed 52 from 57 deliveries, as wickets fell regularly at the other end.
Earlier, Bangladesh Emerging laid the foundation for victory with a strong batting performance that saw them amass 364 runs in their allotted 50 overs. Zimbabwe A’s bowlers struggled to contain the hosts, although Ernest Masuku produced a spirited spell to finish with figures of 3 for 70 from his 10 overs. Antum Naqvi also chipped in with two wickets, returning figures of 2 for 57 from nine overs.
Faced with a required rate of more than seven runs per over from the outset, Zimbabwe A relied heavily on Madhevere’s counter-attacking approach. The right-hander reached three figures in impressive fashion and looked capable of steering his side towards an unlikely victory before his dismissal effectively ended the chase.
Bangladesh Emerging ultimately wrapped up the innings with seven balls remaining to secure an 85-run win and take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Despite the defeat, Zimbabwe A will draw encouragement from Madhevere’s outstanding knock as they seek to bounce back in the second ODI, scheduled for Wednesday at the same venue.
