Karn and Evans Steady Zimbabwe to 247/6 in Second ODI

On July 9, Harare Sports Club hosted the second One-Day International between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Zimbabwe compiled 247 runs for the loss of six wickets.

Opening partner Ben Karn anchored the innings after early wickets fell – Brian Bennett was out for a duck and Inosent Kaita was dismissed on eight runs. Craig Irvine joined the early collapse, departing at 32.

A 34-run stand between Karn and Wesley Madewere (15) helped recover the innings to 66 runs. Subsequent wickets fell, leaving Zimbabwe at four down for 66. Karn then forged a crucial 68-run partnership with seasoned batsman Sikandar Raja, pushing the total to 134 before Raja’s dismissal for 33 off 53 balls.

The lower order added valuable runs, with Brad Evans entering at number eight and staying unbeaten on 58 runs from 38 balls, including two fours and five sixes. Karn, unbeaten on 111 from 135 balls and nine fours, completed his maiden ODI century.

Zimbabwe’s final score of 247/6 set Bangladesh a target of 248 runs. Bangladesh’s Taskeen Ahmed and Mehdi Hasan Miraz each took two wickets; Nahid Rana and Rashad Hussain each claimed one.

The match highlighted Zimbabwe’s batting depth and set up a demanding chase for Bangladesh.