Brendan Taylor surpasses Andy Flower to become Zimbabwe’s highest ODI run-scorer

Brendan Taylor surpassed Andy Flower to become Zimbabwe’s highest run-scorer in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) after playing a crucial knock of 81 against Bangladesh in the opening match of the ODI tri-series in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. Taylor’s contribution, alongside Craig Ervine’s 93, helped Zimbabwe recover from an early collapse to post 271/8 before their bowlers bundled out Bangladesh for 172 in 33.4 overs, securing a 99-run victory. Taylor, 40, reached the milestone with his 81 off 101 deliveries, which included 10 fours. He took his career tally to 6,837 runs in 211 ODIs, moving past Flower’s previous record of 6,786 runs in 213 matches. Taylor’s record-breaking innings also marked his first ODI half-century in six years.

Zimbabwe, after winning the toss and electing to bat, endured a disastrous start as Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed dismantled the top order. Taskin dismissed Brian Bennett, Ben Curran and debutant Tafadzwa Tsiga to reduce Zimbabwe to 24/3 inside the first seven overs. Taylor and Ervine then joined forces to revive the innings, putting together a 150-run partnership for the fourth wicket. The experienced pair countered Bangladesh’s bowling attack with a composed display, rebuilding the innings and shifting the momentum back in Zimbabwe’s favour. Taylor eventually departed for 81 after being dismissed by Saif Hassan, while Ervine continued to anchor the innings. The Zimbabwe captain narrowly missed out on a century, scoring 93 off 106 balls with nine boundaries before Shoriful Islam sent him back to the pavilion. After the partnership was broken, Bangladesh struck at regular intervals to prevent Zimbabwe from accelerating significantly. However, late contributions from Newman Nyamhuri (21 not out) and Wellington Masakadza (21 not out) lifted Zimbabwe to 271/8 in their allotted 50 overs. Taskin finished with figures of 3/44, while Shoriful claimed two wickets for 47 runs.

Chasing 272 for victory, Bangladesh made a brisk start through Tanzid Hasan, who scored 46 off 38 deliveries, including nine fours and a six. However, Zimbabwe struck back after removing Soumya Sarkar, before Newman Nyamhuri dismissed Tanzid to halt the visitors' early momentum. Bangladesh’s innings subsequently unravelled as Zimbabwe’s bowlers exploited the conditions and applied sustained pressure. Brad Evans led the attack with four wickets for 45 runs, while Wellington Masakadza claimed 2/18. Sikandar Raza and the other bowlers chipped in with crucial breakthroughs as Bangladesh struggled to build partnerships. The visitors were eventually bowled out for 172 in 33.4 overs, falling 99 runs short of the target. Zimbabwe’s disciplined bowling performance ensured a comprehensive victory in the tri-series opener, with Craig Ervine named Player of the Match for his 93-run knock.

Taylor’s latest achievement places him at the top of Zimbabwe’s all-time ODI run-scoring list, ahead of one of the country’s most celebrated cricketers, Andy Flower. Taylor made his ODI debut in 2004 and has scored 6,837 runs in 211 matches at an average of 35.24. His tally includes 11 centuries and 40 half-centuries, with a highest score of 145 not out. Flower finished his ODI career with 6,786 runs in 213 matches, including four centuries and 55 half-centuries.

Taylor returned to international cricket in 2025 after reversing his retirement decision. His record-breaking performance against Bangladesh underlined the value of his experience as Zimbabwe began their tri-series campaign with a convincing win. Zimbabwe will next face Afghanistan on October 19 as the three-team competition continues in the United Arab Emirates.