Overview
- Zimbabwe defeated Bangladesh by 25 runs in the first ODI at Harare Sports Club on Monday, July 6, defending 141 to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
- Bangladesh pacer Nahid Rana took 6 for 21, the best ODI bowling figures ever for a Bangladesh man, finishing with two maidens and triggering the hosts’ collapse to 141.
- Newman Nyamhuri was named Player of the Match after scoring 33 and sharing a 63‑run ninth-wicket stand with captain Richard Ngarava that rescued Zimbabwe from 70 for 8.
- Zimbabwe’s bowlers then produced a disciplined chase, with Richard Ngarava (3 for 31), Brad Evans (3 for 34) and Blessing Muzarabani (2 for 24) combining to bowl Bangladesh out for 116.
- The result sharpens focus on Harare’s seam‑friendly pitches, raises selection questions for Bangladesh’s batting line‑up, and gives Zimbabwe confidence as both teams use the series to prepare for 2027 ODI World Cup conditions.