After a comfortable eight-wicket win less than 24 hours ago, Bangladesh will again go up against Zimbabwe on 23 July, in the second T20I of the three-match series, at Harare Sports Club.
Bangladesh were forced to bring in Mohammad Naim for injured Tamim Iqbal. Naim stole the show with an unbeaten 63 in 51 balls. Riding on that, Bangladesh reached the target of 153 with seven balls to spare.
Naim was ably supported by Soumya Sarkar at the top. The pair forged a 102-run first-wicket stand that laid the foundation for the chase. Walking out in the 17th over, Nurul Hasan (16* off 8) then played a breezy cameo to get the job done with an over in hand.
Earlier, Regis Chakabva got Zimbabwe off to a blistering start with a 22-ball 43. Dion Myers (35 off 22), too, played his part but the rest were fell into a full-blown collapse before being bowled out for 152 in 19 overs.
Bangladesh put on an all-round show in the opening match, which was their first of their – potentially – 16 T20Is ahead of the World Cup. Despite Tamim’s absence, their top order looked solid, while Mohammad Saifuddin, Mustafizur Rahman and Shoriful Islam took wickets in regular intervals to keep the team in driving seat.
Zimbabwe showed a glimpse of how good they can perform against a quality bowling line-up, but they floundered yet again. Blessing Muzarabani and Wellington Masakadza were economical, but the Bangladeshi batters were watchful against them. In fact, both Bangladeshi batters were run out.
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Pick Shakib Al Hasan again. He did not bat last time, but he will, for sure.
- Do not ignore Sarkar and Naim from your Fantasy XI. They played cautiously with a strike rate between 110 and 120, and are likely to continue the formula.
- Mustafizur picked up two of his three wickets at death overs. He is a vice-captain option.
Head to Head
Bangladesh have played Zimbabwe 13 times. They have won nine and lost four.
Likely XIs
Bangladesh: Mahmudullah (c), Mohammad Naim, Liton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Afif Hossain, Nurul Hasan (wk), Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam.
Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza (c), Regis Chakabva (wk), Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tarisai Musakanda, Dion Myers, Wesley Madhevere, Ryan Burl, Luke Jongwe, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava.
Prediction
Bangladesh to win the contest and seal the series.