Zimbabwe eye first T20I series victory against Bangladesh

**Watch the match live on ICC.tvOverview

Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh, third T20I
Harare Sports Club, Harare
25 July, 12:30 Local

An improved Zimbabwe displayed resilience to overcome Bangladesh in the second T20I despite leaders Sean Williams and Brendan Taylor missing in action. The young side proved worthy with both the bat and ball but a complete bowling performance proved the difference.

Bangladesh would eye a better batting and fielding display with partnerships in the middle, a critical aspect of the game that was missing the last time. However, the visitors wouldn’t be concerned much as this was the first and only loss they faced on this tour and still have some momentum on their back to carry them across the finish line.

Remember the last time

Wesley Madhevere paved the way for Zimbabwe’s series equalling victory with his innings of 73 in 57 balls. Batting first, Zimbabwe posted 166/6 with a late flurry provided by Ryan Burl's 19-ball 34 and Dion Myers' supportive 26.

In reply, Bangladesh slipped early with half their side back in the pavilion for 53 in the ninth over. Then, Afif Hossain and Shamim Hossain resisted but it was a case of too little too late for them as Zimbabwe snared a 23-run win with the visitors bowled out for 143.

What they said

Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe stand-in captain):“Today we managed to tick a lot more boxes and the result went our way. I would have taken 166. We back ourselves to defend totals. Blessing and everyone deserves the credit. The way Blessing has shown his skills speaks volumes about how he's growing as a cricketer”

Mahmudullah (Bangladesh captain): “We needed a big partnership, but we couldn't get one. We need to look at those areas and come back strongly. Shoriful has been bowling really well. Bowlers tried their hearts out and the fielders need to support them.”