Nahida Akter's career-best 5-21 helped Bangladesh beat Zimbabwe by seven wickets in the third Women's ODI, in Bulawayo, to complete a 3-0 sweep. Akter helped skittle out Zimbabwe for 72 in 27.2 overs, and Bangladesh chased the target in 18.2 overs.
Batting first, Zimbabwe got off to a steady start Modester Mupachikwa was run out in the seventh over. Akter got Ashley Ndiraya in the 10th over to trigger a collapse. Zimbabwe slipped from 35/1 to 50/6 before being bowled out for a paltry total. Barring Sharne Mayers (39), no batter managed to reach double digits.
Debutant Fariha Trisna (2-17) and Rumana Ahmed (2-7) supported Akter with two wickets apiece. Khadija Tul Kubra and Lata Mondal also bowled accurately, despite remaining wicketless.
Coming to defend, Loryn Phiri (1-14) caught Nuzhat Tasnia off her own bowling in the ninth over. Nigar Sultana and Sobhana Mostary departed cheaply, but Murshida Khatun (39* in 48 balls) took Bangladesh past the finishing line with 190 balls remaining.
Brief scores: Zimbabwe Women 72 in 27.2 overs (Sharne Mayers 39; Nahida Akter 5-21) lost to Bangladesh Women 74/3 in 18.2 overs (Murshida Khatun 39*; Esther Mbofana 1-12) by 7 wickets with 190 balls to spare. Player of the Match: Nahida Akter.
Bangladesh Women won the series 3-0. Player of the Series: Nahida Akter.