Nahid Rana Scripts History with Record-Breaking 6-Wicket Haul as Bangladesh Dominate Zimbabwe

Harare, July 6: Nahid Rana produced a sensational spell of fast bowling to register the best-ever ODI figures by a Bangladesh bowler, claiming 6 for 21 as Zimbabwe were bundled out for 141 in the opening ODI at Harare.

Introduced after Taskin Ahmed's early breakthroughs, Rana unleashed a devastating spell of pace and bounce that dismantled Zimbabwe's middle order. The young quick claimed six wickets in just seven overs, consistently troubling batters with sharp movement and extra pace on a lively surface.

Zimbabwe appeared to be rebuilding after reaching 35 without major damage, but a dramatic collapse saw them lose eight wickets for just 35 runs. Taskin removed Brian Bennett and Craig Ervine before Rana took complete control of the innings.

The right-arm pacer dismissed Sikandar Raza, Wessly Madhevere, Clive Madande, Innocent Kaia, and Brad Evans in a relentless spell, securing his third ODI five-wicket haul of the year before finishing with a record-breaking sixth wicket.

Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, leading the side in his first ODI as skipper, elected to bowl after winning the toss, taking advantage of overcast conditions and moisture in the pitch. The decision paid immediate dividends as Bangladesh's pace attack exploited the helpful conditions throughout the innings.

Zimbabwe's only meaningful resistance came from the ninth-wicket partnership between Newman Nyamhuri (33) and stand-in captain Richard Ngarava (27), who added 63 runs to lift the hosts from 70 for 8. Rana eventually ended the stand by yorking Ngarava before Nyamhuri became the final wicket to fall.

Rana's remarkable figures of 6 for 21 now stand as the best bowling performance by a Bangladesh bowler in One-Day Internationals, eclipsing the country's previous record and putting the visitors firmly in control of the series opener.

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