ZIM vs BAN: Soumya Sarkar Stars As Bangladesh Win T20 Series To Complete Tour Sweep

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Opener Soumya Sarkar top-scored with 68 as Bangladesh completed a thrilling run chase to beat Zimbabwe by five wickets and win a Twenty20 international series 2-1 in Harare on Sunday.

Set a challenging 194 to triumph, the tourists reached the target with four balls to spare when middle-order batsman Shamim Hossain hit a single. Inspired by Wesley Madhevere (54 from 36 balls) and Regis Chakabva (48 from 22), Zimbabwe posted 193-5 as they sought a first success in a two-nation T20 series.

But all-rounder Sarkar, who won the player of the match and the player of the series awards, set the tone for a brilliant run chase that gave Bangladesh an all-format sweep in the southern Africa nation.

Not only did he top score, but his right-arm medium fast deliveries yielded 2-19, the most impressive figures among the six Bangladesh bowlers.

The Tigers began the tour with victory in a one-off Test, then won all three one-day internationals. All seven matches were played behind closed doors in Harare because of the coronavirus pandemic.

"The boys showed their character, everybody contributed. Shamim played a crucial knock and it was a good show by the batsmen," said captain Mahmudullah Riyad.

"I think Soumya is a useful all-rounder. When I gave him the ball he got me two wickets and when the team needed him to stand up with the bat, he did so."

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