Photo : BCB

DHAKA, July 17, 2026 (BSS)-Bangladesh's chance to win a series at least in 
one format in Zimbabwe tour is still alive after they put a stellar show in 
both batting and bowling to outclass Zimbabwe by 34 runs in the second T20 
International game at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo today.

The victory leveled the three-match series 1-1 after Bangladesh had lost the 
opening match by 32 runs. The decider will be played at the same venue on 
Sunday.

Bangladesh are yet to win a series on the tour, having earlier suffered an 
innings and 85-run defeat in the one-off Test before losing the three-match 
ODI series 2-1.

Openers Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Saif Hasan hit half-centuries as Bangladesh 
compiled a hefty 186-5, a total that was well defended by the bowlers.

Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, the only change of Bangladesh from the previous 
game, led the charge with his career-best 4-26 while off-spinner Mahedi Hasan 
returned figures of 3-24 to help the side bowl Zimbabwe out for 152 in 19.4 
overs.

Facing a must-win situation, Bangladesh's much-criticised batting unit 
responded impressively.

Tanzid struck a 44 ball-58 while Saif made 55 off 45 to give the side a start 
to savour after Zimbabwe sent Bangladesh in to bat first.

Zimbabwe captain hoped to use the early moisture to unsettle Bangladesh but 
the calculated aggression from Tanzid and Saif ruined his plan. Saif though 
struggled and survived five times before being out on 55, an innings laced 
with eight fours and one six.

Raza dismissed Saif to break the partnership but by then the duo added 120 
runs, the second highest opening stand for Bangladesh only behind Rony 
Talukdar and Liton Das's 124 against Ireland in Chattogram in 2023.

However, this was third best partnership for Bangladesh in any wicket.

Saif's dismissal distracted Tanzid also from his concentration as he was 
removed by Richard Ngarava in the next over after knock of 58, featuring six 
fours and three sixes.

Ngarava also sent back captain Towhid Hridoy (6) in that over before Brad 
Evans got rid of Parvez Hossain Emon (1) in the next over, reeling Bangladesh 
to 137-4 as they lost four wickets for 15 runs.

However, Yasir Ali and Mohammad Saifuddin provided the finishing flourish 
with a 19 ball-45 run partnership for the unbeaten sixth wicket that lifted 
Bangladesh to a competitive total.

Yasir remained unbeaten on 22 from 12 balls, while Saifuddin blasted an 
unbeaten 31 off just 10 deliveries. Saifuddin's late assault included 28 runs 
off the final over from Evans, featuring four consecutive sixes.

Ngarava and Evans claimed two wickets each for Zimbabwe, although Evans 
endured a difficult outing, conceding 65 runs from his four overs, the most 
expensive bowling figures by a Zimbabwe bowler in T20 International history.

Zimbabwe crumbled under the pressure of tall chase as they lost wickets at 
regular intervals, trying to play big shots in almost every delivery.

Mahedi Hasan struck in his consecutive two overs, dismissing Tadiwanashe 
Marumani and Dion Myers before Nahid Rana took the wicket Brian Bennett as 
Zimbabwe found them in wanting with 21-3 in three overs.

Captain Sikandar Raza counterattacked but his dazzling 12 ball-28 came to an 
end when Rishad had him stumped.

Sikandar Raza's dismissal put Bangladesh in control of the game as Rishad 
ripped through their middle order.

Ryan Burl offered some resistance before Rishad virtually killed the game by 
dismissing him from 19 ball-29. Bard Evans made 14 ball-25 then only to 
reduce the margin.

The series-deciding third T20 is on Sunday at the same venue.