Bangladesh will look to level the three-match T20 International series against Zimbabwe when they face off the hosts in the second match at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo tomorrow. A victory is imperative for Bangladesh to keep alive their hopes of winning at least one series on the tour. They have already lost the one-off Test by an innings and 85 runs and conceded the three-match ODI series 2-1.
Another defeat would hand Bangladesh a series loss in all three formats, marking one of their most disappointing tours of Zimbabwe. Encouraged by their victory in the final ODI, which helped them avoid a clean sweep in the 50-over series, Bangladesh were expected to bounce back in the T20Is. However, the opening match followed a familiar pattern as Zimbabwe seized the key moments to register a convincing 33-run victory.
After slipping into trouble in the middle overs, Zimbabwe recovered strongly to post a competitive 170-6. Bangladesh pace sensation Nahid Rana produced a career-best spell of 4-26, but his effort went in vain as the visitors' batters once again failed to deliver. Bangladesh were bowled out for 138 in 19 overs after another disappointing batting display.
Yasir Ali, returning to the T20 side after four years, was the lone bright spot with a 38-ball 54. His dismissal, however, triggered a dramatic collapse as Bangladesh lost their last five wickets for just eight runs in the space of 14 deliveries. Ahead of the must-win encounter, Bangladesh senior assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin said the team's repeated mistakes reflected its failure to learn from previous setbacks.
Bangladesh are expected to make changes to the playing XI, with all-rounder Mosaddek Hossain Saikat likely to return in a bid to strengthen the side. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, are expected to retain the same lineup after their comprehensive victory in the series opener. A win in the second T20I would give Zimbabwe an unassailable 2-0 lead and seal the series with one match remaining. It would also complete a clean sweep of the tour across all three formats, representing Zimbabwe's most successful bilateral campaign against Bangladesh.
