Bangladesh opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim admitted the visitors could have taken valuable lessons from Ben Curran’s match-winning innings after suffering a 13-run defeat to Zimbabwe in the second ODI in Harare on July 9. This loss handed Zimbabwe an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, following their 25-run victory in the opener.
Curran Anchors Zimbabwe’s Winning Total
Curran anchored Zimbabwe’s innings with an unbeaten 111, steering the hosts to a competitive 246/6. Their bowlers successfully defended this total against the Bangladeshi challenge.
During the chase, Bangladesh had appeared well-placed. Tanzid scored 57 and Towhid Hridoy contributed 60, with the duo stitching together an 84-run stand for the third wicket.
Bangladesh Batters Reflect on Missed Opportunity
However, neither Tanzid nor Hridoy managed to emulate Curran by batting deep into the innings and finishing the chase. Reflecting on the defeat, Tanzid acknowledged that Bangladesh could have learned from Curran’s approach.
He noted that Curran’s ability to remain at the crease until the end ultimately proved to be the difference between the two sides. Tanzid stated: “When me and Hridoy were batting, we were well set. We needed a big partnership and one of us had to make it big and bat till the last ball. Both of us got out after our fifties and I think that’s where we lost the match.”
Calls for Greater Responsibility Amidst Light Concerns
Tanzid further elaborated on the contrast, saying, “He [Curran] carried his innings till the last ball and we couldn’t. That was the difference between the two teams.” He praised the bowlers, adding: “Our bowlers did a really great job. The batters didn’t bat well. We couldn’t chase 142 in the first match either. We have to be more responsible. I think we didn’t play well. They played better than us, that’s why we lost the match.”
Fading light became a talking point during the closing stages of the second ODI, as acknowledged by Tanzid. However, the Bangladesh opener stressed that the decision on whether play should continue was entirely in the hands of the on-field umpires. “I don’t know whether international cricket should continue under that light or not, but that is the umpire’s decision. I don’t have anything to say about that,” Tanzid said.
Zimbabwe now hold an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.