Donald Tiripano’s six-hitting heroics in vain as Bangladesh beat Zimbabwe in last ball thriller

Donald Tiripano’s six-laden, maiden ODI fifty went in vain as Zimbabwe failed to pull off a stunning run chase against Bangladesh in the second ODI at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, February 3.

Despite half-centuries from Tinashe Kamunhukamwe (51), Wesley Madhevere (52) and Sikandar Raza (66), Zimbabwe looked well out of contention to eclipse Bangladesh’s total of 322/8 – in which Tamim Iqbal slammed a record 158 – when they slipped to 225/7 in the 42nd over.

However, Tiripano (55 not out off 28) smoked five sixes, three of them during a Zimbabwe record eighth-wicket stand of 80 with Tinotenda Mutombodzi (34 off 21).

Mutombodzi fell on the second ball of the last over leaving the tourists needing 18 from four balls. Tiripano then smashed Al Amin Hossain for back-to-back sixes over long-on.

But, Tiripano could score only one run off the last two deliveries handing Bangladesh the match and the three-game series.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

Bangladesh win by 4 runs 👏
An amazing 55* from 28 balls by Donald Tiripano isn't quite enough for Zimbabwe, but what an innings!#BANvZIM pic.twitter.com/Z5HSQPmlEO
— ICC (@ICC) March 3, 2020

#2ndODI | RESULT: What a thrilling chase it was as @ZimCricketv (318-8 in 50 overs) were just so close to clinching a sensational victory to level the series thanks to Donald Tiripano's quickfire 55*, but @BCBtigers (322-8 in 50 overs) held on to win the match by 4 runs! #BANvZIM pic.twitter.com/cYAsokXdkO
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) March 3, 2020

Zimbabwe agonisingly fall short,what a game,what a match,there was an outside chance and Tiripano grabbed it,almost chased down 75 off the last 5 overs (with 3 wkts left) only to fall 4 shy. Phew #BANvZIM
— Udit (@udit_buch) March 3, 2020

https://twitter.com/ZrArcy/status/1234854903295680512

Very impressed with @ZimCricketv ..Chasing the target of 323 Against Bangladesh…they scored 318 and Lost the match by just 4 runs…But Tripano played really well inning here along with Mutumbodzi. Really hope to see such competitive cricket from Zimbabwe #BANvZIM
— Abhijeet (@King__Ro45) March 3, 2020

Zimbabwe closes on 318/8 – Chevrons fall agonisingly close in the 2nd ODI.. Donald Tiripano take a bow 🙌🏾 His brilliant 55 off 28 took us just 4 runs shy of the Tigers’ total of 322/8.. #BANvZIM
— Mike Madoda (@mikemadoda) March 3, 2020

Tough luck Tripano. Unbeaten 55 runs from 28 balls including 2 fours and 5 sixes but Zimbabwe fell short by 4 runs while chasing 323 runs.
At one stage, Zimbabwe was 225 for 7 from 41.5 overs. #BANvZIM
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 3, 2020