Naeem Islam played an incredible knock to lead Bangladesh a thrilling one-wicket victory over Zimbabwe from an improbable position with hitting an unbeaten 73 runs knock when the victory chances was diminished fully at the dead rubber match of Grameenphone Series at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chittagong today. With the win, the hosts sealed off it comprehensively by 4-1 at the end, something they expected after the shocking loss in the series opener.

Naeem tore apart pacer Justice Chibhabha in the 48th over with smashing three successive sixes to bring up the target in eye sight when one wicket was in hand which eventually took away the match from the visitors' grip. But initially it was the unprofessional attitude showed by the Bangladeshi batsmen, who threw away their wicket after having a nice start. Naeem finally took the responsibility to sail the team home and remained unbeaten on 73 off 90 that clattered with four fours and as many sixes.

Earlier, with a show of true professional attitude, Brendon Taylor anchored Zimbabwe with an enthralling century as the tourists recovered the early collapse to put up 221 for nine. Bangladeshi batsmen paid off their throwing away the wicket as it seemed they were about to loss the match but Naeem's late surge ensured Bangladesh's absorbing victory with an over to spare and a wicket remaining. Taylor hammered an unbeaten 118 off 125 clattering seven fours and four sixes which was the sign of a magnificent solitary effort when the next best was Elton Chigumbura's 38. With the side reeling on awful 13 for two, the lanky man came to the stage and was the mere spectator of going down the wickets quickly at another end. But this could not frustrate him as he waited with utmost patience and when the moment came he responded aggressively to swallow his side in a safe position.

It was initially another casual story with Zimbabwe passing some suffocating moments before left arm spinner Razzak blew them away with two scalps in his consecutive two overs edging acting skipper Hamilton Masakadza (10) and Mark Varmulen (7) to the first slip as they were reeling 13 for two. The situation reminded the previous match but Taylor and Elton Chugumbura ensured there would be no sensational collapse further. Mahmuduallh Ryad and Shakib however triggered mini collapse to reel them 113 for seven before Taylor got the well support of Raymond Price and Graeme Creamer. Mahmudullah Ryad, Razzak and Shakib shared nine wickets evenly among themselves. Naeem Islam later was adjudged the man of the match while Abdur Razzak who hauled 15 wickets throughout the series, earned the man of the series award.

-The Independent