Zimbabwe opener Ben Curran delivered the standout performance of his ODI career, scoring a magnificent unbeaten century against Bangladesh during the second ODI at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday. Curran’s composed batting guided the hosts to a total of 247/6 in 50 overs, placing Zimbabwe in a commanding position to clinch the three-match series following their victory in the opening game. The left-hander’s milestone sparked widespread acclaim across social media, with fans praising his maturity and match-winning composure.
Curran Anchors Zimbabwe’s Recovery with Career-Best Effort
The Zimbabwean innings centered on Curran, who carried his bat to finish on 111 not out. Displaying a blend of remarkable patience and aggressive precision, the opener ensured Zimbabwe remained competitive even as Bangladesh claimed wickets at regular intervals. He found critical support in Brad Evans, whose unbeaten 58 helped build a vital late-game partnership that frustrated the visiting bowlers and accelerated the run rate during the closing stages.
The total of 247/6 proved challenging given a surface that offered balanced assistance to both batters and bowlers. For Bangladesh, captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the most effective bowler, claiming 2/32 while maintaining a disciplined line and length. Despite the pressure, Curran remained unfazed, surviving until the final delivery of the innings to complete his memorable century.
Bangladesh now face a target of 248 runs to level the series and force a final decider, while Zimbabwe seek a series-clinching win to solidify their 1-0 lead.
Online, Curran’s performance became an immediate talking point. Supporters lauded his ability to anchor the innings under pressure, with many describing it as one of Zimbabwe’s finest recent batting displays in ODI cricket. Analysts and fans alike highlighted the maturity of his approach and the pivotal nature of his partnership with Evans, which prevented Zimbabwe from sliding toward a below-par total.
Fan Reactions:
Ben Curran made the best decision by leaving England & shifted to Zimbabwe.
In England, he never had any chance to play for national team. Never got near The Hundred, at best was getting some county games.
But now at Zimbabwe, he can create his international legacy pic.twitter.com/jRysoG8Cb6
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) July 9, 2026
Ben Curran is the Quickest to record two Centuries (in just 10 inns) for Zimbabwe in men’s ODI.
Prev fastest to record two Centuries for ZIM in men’s ODI: Neil Johnson in 12 inns#ZIMvBAN #ZIMvsBAN
— sudharshan sridharan (@sudharshansrid1) July 9, 2026
Ben Curran #ZIMvsBAN
— Rahul K. Narayan (@Astrocalf1111) July 9, 2026
Fantastic ODI Hundred for Ben Curran, 2nd in ODIs.
Scored 104*(125) with 9 Fours against Bangladesh at Harare. pic.twitter.com/dOs3fSvL89
– Hamza Khan (@Hamzakhan17_) July 9, 2026
3rd ODI Century by Ben Curran for Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh
: FanCode pic.twitter.com/yiQLXVAqHi
— CricInformer (@CricInformer) July 9, 2026
BEN CURRAN YOU BEAUTY pic.twitter.com/2339BvAG1x
— ~ U D I T ~ (@Merovaeous) July 9, 2026
Congratulations to Ben Curran for his well executed second ODI century. He becomes only the fifth Zimbabwean to bat through an ODI innings. pic.twitter.com/li1oMew4EZ
— m a y o r (@bxllyville) July 9, 2026
Ben Curran
— FC wangu (@jossychiko) July 9, 2026
What a century by Ben Curran! pic.twitter.com/VS5f2O7iu4
— Troll Cricket (@Suhaiahmad786) July 9, 2026
Second ODI hundred for Zimbabwean opener Ben Curran
Zimbabwe lose regular wickets but he carries the bat and scores 111 off 135 with nine boundaries against Bangladesh in the second ODI. What an innings of patience. #ZIMvBAN #BenCurran pic.twitter.com/5BnHHWpJxd— Muhammad Areeb Uddin Sheikh Areeb Cricket World (@areeb_7official) July 9, 2026
