Bangladesh did their best to beat Zimbabwe by 34 runs in the second T20I, leveling the three-match series 1-1 and setting up a winner-takes-all showdown on Sunday.After a good showing in the opening game, the visitors responded with confidence and showed well in all three departments. Zimbabwe, in contrast, endured a strange day with the bat, the ball and in the field, bowling several balls before failing to chase down a difficult target of 187.Bangladesh made full use of the return they were given to score 186, before the bowlers ensured that Zimbabwe did not succeed in the chase.
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Zimbabwe’s problems started in the field as a large number of fish that went down allowed Bangladesh to dominate.Opener Saif Hassan was the main beneficiary, surviving a number of chances as he combined with Tanzid Hasan Tamim for a superb opening partnership of 120 which laid the foundation for a comprehensive tournament.Despite playing sloppy, Zimbabwe fought back a bit and picked up five wickets in quick succession, which allowed the visitors to manage a low score.However, Yasir Ali and Mohammad Saifuddin ensured that Bangladesh finished strongly. Saifuddin provided the late shots, smashing four sixes off Brad Evans in the last over to take Bangladesh to 186 and shift the momentum in favor of the visitors.A late strike proved decisive, as Zimbabwe were left to fend off the mistakes that had led to Bangladesh’s production of so many.
Rishad, Mahed seal a comfortable victory
Zimbabwe did not panic at the time when the Bangladesh players were batting regularly.Unlike the opening T20I, where Zimbabwe dictated the pace, none of them managed to convert much of the innings. The batsmen kept losing wickets at critical moments, preventing any necessary partnerships from starting.But the Zimbabwean batsmen passed 30 runs as the required pace continued to rise.Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain was the main destroyer, finishing with four wickets to disrupt the chase, while Mahed Hasan provided excellent support with three scalps.Bangladesh’s efficient batting accomplished the task of batting well, ending Zimbabwe’s 34-run innings close to the target.The big win marked a fitting response from the visitors after a disappointing series defeat in the opening series. It also ended Zimbabwe’s early momentum on the tour, as the players failed to match the intensity they showed in the first game.With the series now tied 1-1, both teams go into Sunday’s third and final T20I knowing that a win will secure the series.