2nd T20I: Hridoy-Riyad powers Bangladesh win over Zimbabwe

Bangladesh needed 139 runs to go ahead 2-0 in the series. Liton and Tamim started the chase excellently with their opening partnership. However, the rhythm soon faltered, and Tamim, Shanto, and Liton departed quickly. Although Zaker Ali sparked hope, he couldn’t score big. Yet, Towhid Hridoy brought some relief today. In the closing moments, Mahmudullah Riyad joined him, wreaking havoc. Together, they put up a 49-run partnership that led Bangladesh to a win by 6 wickets.

Chasing Zimbabwe’s target of 139 runs, Bangladesh surpassed it in 18.3 overs, losing only 4 wickets. This thrilling victory gives the hosts a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. Towhid Hridoy remained unbeaten on 37 runs from 25 balls, while the experienced Mahmudullah Riyad left the field after securing a victory with 26 runs.

Opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim, playing his first T20 match, was again in his familiar rhythm. However, trouble arose in the final over of the first powerplay. Attempting a slog sweep against Ansley Love, Tamim failed and was dismissed for 18 runs. His wicket broke Bangladesh’s opening partnership of 41 runs.

Captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto, who scored 21 in the previous match, could only make 16 runs today. Luke Jongwe, bowling his second over, spent just 3 runs and took two crucial wickets. On the third ball of the over, he dismissed Shanto and claimed the vital wicket of the well-set opener Liton Das with the final delivery.

In the previous match against Zimbabwe at Sylhet, Liton Das could only score 1 run. Just a day later, he used the same venue as a canvas to showcase he was back in form. However, suddenly, in the 10th over’s final delivery, Luke Jongwe sent him back to the pavilion. Beaten by a slower ball, Liton gave a catch to Jonathan Campbell. Before departing, Liton had scored 23 runs, including 1 six and 2 fours in 25 balls.

Zaker Ali Anik moved up to bat at position five today. He was partnered with Towhid Hridoy. However, Zaker’s batting spectacle didn’t last long for the spectators in Chattogram. He missed the line of a delivery from Richard Ngarava and lost his stumps. Dismissed for 13 runs, Zaker’s departure left Bangladesh at 93 for 4 wickets. The rest of the match was comfortably handled by Towhid Hridoy and Mahmudullah Riyad, steering Bangladesh to victory.