Tigers extend series lead beating Zimbabwe by six wickets

Bangladesh secured a six-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the second match of the five-match T20i series at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram on Sunday, extending their lead to 2-0 in the series.

Similar to the previous match, Bangladesh won the toss and opted to field, putting Zimbabwe in to bat first.

 The hosts bowlers once again displayed their dominance, dismantling the visiting top order and claiming five wickets for just 42 runs. Opener Tadiwanashe Marumani departed early for two runs, followed by another opener Joylord Gumbie for 17, Craig Ervine for 13, skipper Sikandar Raza for three and wicketkeeper Clive Madande for a duck.
However, a crucial 73-run partnership for the sixth wicket between debutant Johnathan Campbell and Brian Bennett steadied Zimbabwes innings and helped them reach a respectable total. Johnathan Campbell, the son of Zimbabwean great Alistair Campbell, replaced Sean Williams in the squad and made an impressive 45 off 24 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes. Bennett remained unbeaten on 44 off 29 deliveries, with two fours and three sixes. Besides, Luke Jongwe contributed two runs, while Ainsley Ndlovu finished not out on five, as Zimbabwe posted 138 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

Taskin Ahmed and Rishad Hossain claimed two wickets each for Bangladesh, while Shoriful Islam, Mohammad Saifuddin and Sheikh Mahedi Hasan shared the remaining wickets equally.

Chasing 139 runs for victory, Bangladesh got off to a solid start from the openers as Liton Das and Tanzid Tamim put on 41 runs together before Tamim Jr. was dismissed for 18 off 19 balls. Skipper Nazmul Hossain Shanto followed Tamim Jr. scoring 16 off 15 balls before Tawhid Hridoy joined the crease. Liton Das, who was dropped on 22, fell cheaply in the next over after adding just one run. Jaker Ali was promoted up the batting order and contributed 13 runs.

Hridoy and Mahmudullah then steered Bangladesh towards victory, with Hridoy scoring 37 off 25 balls including three boundaries and two sixes, while Mahmudullah amassed 26 off 16 deliveries, with two fours and a six.

Bangladesh therefore, reached the winning post finishing on 142 for four with nine balls to spare.

Jongwe claimed two wickets for Zimbabwe, while Richard Ngarava and Ndlovu shared the remaining wickets.

The third match of the series is scheduled to take place on May 7 at the same venue.