ZIM vs BAN 2nd T20I: Rishad Hossain stars as Bangladesh smash Zimbabwe to level T20I series | Cricket news

Rishad Hossain (Image: X)

Bangladesh produced a stunning all-round performance to defeat Zimbabwe by 34 runs in the second T20I, leveling the three-match series at 1-1 and setting up a winner-take-all decider on Sunday.After being comprehensively outplayed in the opening game, the visitors responded in emphatic fashion with much improved play in all three departments. Zimbabwe, in contrast, endured a rare day off with bat, ball and field, dropping a couple of catches before managing a challenging target of 187.Bangladesh took full advantage of the reprieve on offer to post 186, before their bowlers ensured Zimbabwe never gained momentum in the chase.

Zimbabwe’s difficulties on the field proved costly

Zimbabwe’s problems started on the field when a series of lost catches allowed Bangladesh to dominate.Opener Saif Hassan was the biggest gainer, surviving several chances as he combined with Tanzid Hasan Tamim for a superb 120-run opening partnership that laid the foundation for a competitive total.Despite a sloppy fielding, Zimbabwe briefly hit back by claiming five wickets in quick succession, raising hopes of restricting the visitors to a sub-par score.However, Yasir Ali and Mohammad Saifuddin ensured that Bangladesh finished strong. Saifuddin produced the late fireworks, smashing four sixes off Brad Evans in the final over to chase Bangladesh down for 186 and swing the momentum strongly in favor of the visitors.A late onslaught proved decisive, with Zimbabwe ultimately left to rue the costly mistakes that allowed Bangladesh to build such a formidable total.

Rishad, Mahed sealed a comfortable victory

Zimbabwe never really threatened during the chase as the Bangladesh bowlers struck at regular intervals.Unlike the opening T20I, where Zimbabwe dictated proceedings, none of their batsmen were able to convert starts into meaningful innings. The hosts lost wickets at key moments, preventing the development of any meaningful partnership.No Zimbabwe player crossed the 30-run mark as the run rate demanded continued to rise.Bowler Rishad Hossain was the destroyer in chief, finishing with four wickets to end the chase, while Mahedi Hasan provided excellent support with three scalps.Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling attack complemented the batting effort perfectly, rounding off Zimbabwe’s innings 34 runs short of the target.The comprehensive victory marked the ideal response from the visitors after a disappointing defeat in the first series. It also ended Zimbabwe’s early dominance of the tour, with the hosts unable to match the intensity they showed in the first game.With the series level at 1-1, both teams head into Sunday’s third and final T20I knowing that a win will secure the series.