Fast bowler Nahid Rana claimed a career-best 4-26 as Zimbabwe compiled a respectable 170-6 in the three-match T20 International series opener at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. Opener Brian Bennett top-scored with 44 off 30 balls, including six fours and one six, before being dismissed by Rana. Bangladesh captain Towhid Hridoy sent Zimbabwe into bat first, and the hosts made a strong start with openers Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani scoring at 12 runs per over. Rana broke through by dismissing Marumani for 14, then removed Bennett, denying him a half-century. Rana further jolted Zimbabwe's innings by dismissing Milton Shumba and Tashinga Musekiwa in consecutive deliveries. Zimbabwe recovered somewhat thanks to Ryan Burl, who remained not out on 30, and Brad Evans, who scored 19 off 10 balls, including four boundaries in Rana's last over.
The performance by Rana was crucial for Bangladesh as they look to gain an early advantage in the series. His ability to take wickets at key moments helped restrict Zimbabwe to a competitive but manageable total. The opening partnership between Bennett and Marumani had threatened to set a high target, but Rana's interventions proved vital. Zimbabwe's lower order showed resilience, with Burl and Evans providing late momentum to push the total beyond 170.
