|| CF DESK ||

Bangladesh beat Zimbabwe by nine runs in the third T20I to sweep the five-match T20I series at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram.

Bangladesh pacers posed a threat to Zimbabwe's batting line-up as they rattled down the top order within the first powerplay. Mohammad Saifuddin made the first blow by removing Joylord Gumbie (9) and Tanzim Sakib axed Brian Bennett (5).

Saifuddin struck again after a couple of overs to remove experienced campaigner Craig Ervine (7), entirely demolishing the top order.

Skipper Sikandar Raza also failed to impress, getting dismissed for just one run by getting an edge to the wicket-keeper off leg-spinner Rishad Hossain.

Zimbabwe lost wickets at regular intervals and eventually mustered 156-9 with the help of Faraz Akram's 34 and Johnathan Campbell's 21 runs.

Saifuddin grabbed three wickets and Rishad picked up a couple of wickets for the hosts.

Earlier, Bangladesh made a slow start after being sent to bat first. The Tigers lost their opener Litton Das (12) early, followed by skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (6) who was also dismissed inside the first powerplay.  

Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali put together an 88-run partnership that propelled Bangladesh to post a strong total of 165-5 in 20 overs.

Litton was trapped into an inside edge when attempting a scoop off Muzarabani, which resulted him getting bowled, while Shanto was dismissed by Sikandar.

Then Hridoy played an anchoring innings of 57 off 38 which featured three fours and two sixes and Jaker contributed with 44 off 34 deliveries. 

Muzarabani was the pick of the bowling attack, taking three wickets conceding 14 runs in his four overs.