Bangladesh will look to finish their Zimbabwe tour on a high by winning the three-match T20 International series when they face the hosts in the decisive third match at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo today (Sunday). The match begins at 4:30 PM Bangladesh time, reports BSS.
The series is tied 1-1 after Zimbabwe claimed the opening match by 32 runs before Bangladesh bounced back with a convincing 34-run victory in the second game.
The comeback has boosted Bangladesh's confidence after a disappointing tour in the other formats. They suffered an innings and 85-run defeat in the one-off Test and lost the three-match ODI series 2-1.
Another defeat in the opening T20 had raised fears of a clean sweep across all formats, but the visitors responded strongly to force a series decider.
Bangladesh's dominant display in the second T20, particularly their improved handling of Zimbabwe's pace attack, has given them a psychological advantage heading into the final match. Captain Towhid Hridoy credited the batters for finally executing the team's plans after struggling earlier in the tour.
"As a unit, we bowled and batted really well. The batters took responsibility," Hridoy said.
"We are always talking about partnerships, and we had a very good one early on.
Our target was to get a couple of partnerships, with the main focus on the start of the innings. We needed that early partnership, and we executed it. We need to replicate the performance in the third game now."
He also praised the bowlers for maintaining disciplined lines on a helpful surface.
"Our plan was to bowl tight lines, and they executed that well here," he said.
Reflecting on the challenging tour, Hridoy said the team had gradually adapted to local conditions.
"As professional players, we have to adjust quickly. We know the conditions now, so we are trying to adapt and execute our plans," he said.
Bangladesh, however, face an injury concern after pace spearhead Nahid Rana picked up an injury during the second T20. While he is considered doubtful for the series decider, Hridoy hoped that the fast bowler would recover in time.
Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza acknowledged that poor fielding proved costly in the second match despite a commendable bowling performance.
"To be honest, as a captain, I'm genuinely embarrassed to be here. The way we fielded had a ripple effect into our batting. But we are hopeful to rectify our mistakes," Raza said.
With the series evenly poised, both teams will be aiming for victory in what promises to be an exciting finale in Bulawayo.
Meanwhile, pace bowler Nahid Rana is under observation after suffering a suspected left-side strain during the second T20 International against Zimbabwe, team physiotherapist Bayezidul Islam said on Saturday.
The injury cast a shadow over Bangladesh's series-levelling victory, which made it 1-1 in the three-match T20I series.
Nahid left the field after bowling 2.3 overs and did not return to complete his spell.
"Nahid Rana reported a left-side strain during today's match. We did not let him bowl again. He will remain under observation until tomorrow," team physio Bayjedul Islam said in a video message from Zimbabwe.
"At this stage, I think he has a side strain. We will decide tomorrow morning whether he needs a scan. How long it may take for him to return to the field will be announced later," he added.
Before leaving the field, Nahid dismissed Brian Bennett for 15 and finished with figures of 1-15 from 2.3 overs.
The 22-year-old had been Bangladesh's standout bowler in the opening match of the series, claiming 4-26 despite his team's defeat.
Bangladesh will assess Nahid's condition on Sunday before deciding whether further medical tests are required, with his availability for the series decider remaining uncertain.
