Muzarabani and Ngarava Lead Zimbabwe to 32‑Run Victory Over Bangladesh in Opening T20I

Zimbabwe delivered a disciplined all‑round performance, securing a 32‑run victory over Bangladesh in the opening T20I of the three‑match series at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. After setting a competitive total of 170/6, Zimbabwe’s pace attack restricted Bangladesh to 138, dismissing them one over short of the target.

Brian Bennett gave Zimbabwe a rapid start at the top of the order, and Ryan Burl together with Brad Evans contributed vital runs in the latter stages, raising the total. Although Bangladesh threatened with an incisive spell from Nahid Rana in the middle overs, Zimbabwe closed out strongly, presenting a challenging target for their bowlers.

Muzarabani and Ngarava Crush Bangladesh’s Batting Lineup

Zimbabwe’s pace duo of Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava delivered a sensational display with the new ball and at the death, sealing the victory. The pair took eight wickets in total, consistently troubling the Bangladesh batters with extra bounce and disciplined lines.

Ngarava took two wickets in the Powerplay, dismissing Saif Hassan and Tanzid Hasan, while Muzarabani added Parvez Hossain Emon to the tally. Bangladesh slipped to 34/3 within five overs and never recovered from the early collapse.

Muzarabani returned in the death overs and posted impressive figures of 4/17, matching his career‑best T20I bowling record. Ngarava supported him with 4/26, as Zimbabwe bowled Bangladesh out for 138, earning a well‑deserved win.

Brian Bennett Builds Platform Amidst Nahid Rana’s Strong Bowling

Earlier in the evening, Bennett continued his impressive T20 form, scoring a fluent 44 off 30 balls. The young opener attacked from the start, finding boundaries confidently and giving Zimbabwe a positive start despite frequent wickets falling at the other end.

Bangladesh responded strongly through Nahid, who delivered an impressive fast‑bowling spell. The right‑arm pacer took 4/26, dismissing Bennett and then taking two wickets in the death overs to curb Zimbabwe’s momentum. Taskin Ahmed also kept things tight, conceding only 22 runs from his four overs.

Burl contributed a valuable knock of 30 off 25 balls, while Evans added a quickfire 19 off 10 deliveries. Their late partnership steadied the middle order, enabling Zimbabwe to post a competitive total of 170/6.

Bangladesh’s chase lacked momentum despite a fighting innings from Yasir Ali. Returning to the T20I side after nearly three years, Yasir top‑scored with 54 off 36 balls, marking his maiden T20I half‑century. However, he received little support as Zimbabwe’s pace attack exercised complete control, securing a 1‑0 series lead.

Zimbabwe continue to impress and carry their fine form into the T20Is as well as they beat Bangladesh by 32 runs in the 1st T20I #ZIMvBAN #ZimbabweCricket #Cricket pic.twitter.com/7e8RF8QjIR

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) July 16, 2026

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