Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh, BAN in ZIM, 3 ODIs, 2026 Jul 9 Full score card

OUT! CAUGHT! Would you believe it? Zimbabwe have pulled off a heist and defeated Bangladesh by 13 runs. Back of a length, on middle and off, Mehidy Hasan Miraz goes for a pull but goes at it half-heartedly. Miraz finds out Brad Evans with precision and Bangladesh gets bowled out for 234.

Nahid Rana walks out last to bat.

OUT! TIMBER! Goodness gracious me... Brad Evans can do no wrong today. Brad Evans bowls around the stumps and fires one into the batter, in line with the stumps. Shoriful Islam stand stall and looks to punches this down the ground but misses out completely and sees the ball go past him and shatter the stumps. Bangladesh are 234 for 9.

14 needed off the last 13 balls.

Short and around off, Mehidy Hasan Miraz pulls this through square leg for a single.

Hard length, around off, Shoriful Islam dabs this in front of short covers and rotates again.

Full and around off, Mehidy Hasan Miraz drives this away to the left of sweeper cover and calls for two. The fielder was quickly onto the ball and the batters had to restrict to one.

Good length, around middle and leg, going down the leg side. Miraz shuffles across and looks to flick it away but misses. The ball goes to the keeper just past the leg pole. Miraz seems to be really frustrated by the fact that the umpire has not called it a wide and is having a discussion with the umpire on that.

Good length, around off, Mehidy Hasan Miraz blocks this to the left of extra cover. A single was on offer but Miraz farms the strike.

17 needed off the last 3 overs. The umpire combine to change the ball as it has gone really soft and looks like a ball that has taken a lot of beating as well.

FOUR! This is exactly what the Asian side needed at this point. Pushed through onto the pads, Shoriful Islam looks to keep it out with a front foot block. Gets an inside edge that races through the fine leg region and the ball has raced to the fence for four runs. 2 was the call initially from the batters but the ball beats the deep square leg fielder and crashes into the fence.

21 needed now off 19 balls.

Fired onto the pads, Mehidy Hasan Miraz works this through mid-wicket for a run and exposes Shoriful for just one ball against Raza.

Short and wide of off, Mehidy Hasan Miraz stands tall and cuts this through backward point for a couple of runs.

WIDE! Quicker one, wide down the leg side. Wided.

Full and around off, Shoriful Islam flicks this through mid-wicket for a single.

Shoriful Islam walks out at 10.

OUT! LBW! Raza comes around the stumps, bowls it on a nagging length, angling back into the batter. Taskin Ahmed goes onto his back foot and looks to nudge this around mid-wicket but misses and gets hit on his pads. A loud appeal and the umpire raises his finger. This game is turning upside down.

26 needed off the last 23 balls.

Tossed up, around off, Mehidy Hasan Miraz dabs this late to the left of the short third fielder for a single.

Hard length, on off, Mehidy Hasan Miraz tucks this through square leg for a single.

Short and around off, Mehidy Hasan Miraz looks to cut this over cover-point but the ball keeps climbing on him and Miraz gets beaten.

LEG BYE! Good length, down the leg side, Taskin Ahmed gets it clipped off his pads to short fine leg for a leg bye.

Taskin Ahmed walks out next.

OUT! CAUGHT! Blessing blesses Zimbabwe and Richard Ngarava with a timely wicket as he sends Rishad back. Back of a length, around off, Rishad Hossain looks to loft this downtown but gets hit high on his bat and the ball goes straight into the hands of Sikandar Raza at the short covers region.

Hard length, on middle and leg, Mehidy Hasan Miraz tucks this in front of mid on and takes a sharp single.

30 runs needed off the last 29 balls.

Short and wide of off, Mehidy Hasan Miraz looks to get cheeky with an upper cut but misses out.

Full and on the pads, Rishad Hossain goes down on a knee and looks to sweep but misses. Gets it clipped off his pads to short fine leg.

Darted around off, Mehidy Hasan Miraz punches this past the left of Raza for a single down to long off.

Pushed through onto the pads, Rishad Hossain nudges this off his back foot to the right of the left-handed Richard Ngarava at short fine leg for one.

Quicker and flatter on middle and leg, Rishad Hossain rocks back and punches this back to the bowler.

Fired around off, Rishad drills this back to the bowler.

Fuller around off, Mehidy Hasan Miraz prods onto his front foot and pushes this in front of cover-point for a single.

It is getting really dark.

A bit fuller and around off, Rishad Hossain goes for the drive but misses. 33 needed 36 balls now!

Short of a length and angling down the leg side, Rishad Hossain fails to glance it away. Big shout for caught behind. Zimbabwe are pleading but the umpire remains unmoved.

Bangs in a bouncer, around off, Rishad Hossain sways away from it.

FOUR! Good shot! Fuller one and on middle, angling into the pads, Rishad Hossain brings his wrists into play and flicks it away to the deep square leg fence for a boundary.

On a length and on middle, Rishad Hossain blocks it out.

Halt! Rishad Hossain is asking for something, but the umpires are not allowing it in the middle of the over.

Back of a length and around off, Rishad Hossain does not pick the ball. He tries to sway away from it but keeps his bat hanging out. It hits his bat and drops to the off side.

Quicker, shortish and on middle, Mehidy Hasan Miraz pats it back to the bowler.

Short and on middle, Rishad Hossain punches it to long on for a run.

Flighted, full and on off, Rishad Hossain drills it wide of long off for a brace.

Short and on leg, Rishad Hossain clips it to square leg.

Slows it up, full and on off, Rishad Hossain strides out to drive but misses. The keeper collects and breaks the stumps in a flash. There is a big appeal for stumping but the replay shows tha Rishad never left the crease.

Tossed up, full and on off, Mehidy Hasan Miraz taps it to covers for a single.

The next batter in is Rishad Hossain.

OUT! CAUGHT! Richard Ngarava has the last laugh here and keeps his team alive in the game. He comes over the wicket and bangs this into the surface, angling into the body of the batter. Nurul Hasan tries to hook it away but gets cramped up this time and does not go through the shot fully. It flies to fine leg, where Ryan Burl (Sub) takes a fine catch. Another twist in the talen.

FOUR! Superb shot! Richard Ngarava bangs this into the pitch, on middle and leg. Nurul Hasan picks it up well, swivels and pulls it away to the deep backward square leg fence for another boundary.

Pitched up and around off, Mehidy Hasan Miraz pushes it through covers for a run.

WIDE! Tries the slower bouncer, on middle, but too high for the batter, Mehidy Hasan Miraz ducks under it. WIded again.

WIDE! Hard length but angling down the leg side, Mehidy Hasan Miraz has a swing at it but misses. Wided.

FOUR! Fine shot! A half-volley, around off. Mehidy Hasan Miraz leans onto his drive and caresses it through extra covers for a much-needed boundary. 200 up for Bangladesh.

Low full toss, around off, Mehidy Hasan Miraz drills it to short cover.

Fuller and on off, Nurul Hasan steps across and flicks it wide of short mid-wicket. The fielder dives to his left to get a hand on it and deflects it to mid on. Just a single.

Fires this one, full and around off, Nurul Hasan steers it to backward point for a quick one.

Dragged back, on off, Mehidy Hasan Miraz punches it to long on for another run.

Drops it short and on off, Nurul Hasan taps it wide of short cover for a run.

Tossed up, full and on off, Mehidy Hasan Miraz drives it to long off for a single.

Flatter, full and on middle, Mehidy Hasan Miraz knocks it down the pitch, where Raza dives to his right to make the stop.

Floated, full and on off, Mehidy Hasan Miraz pushes it away to cover.

Powerplay 3! Now, five fielders are allowed outside the inner ring till the end of the game. Bangladesh are taking another mini drinks break, but the umpires are asking them to hurry up. Sikandar Raza to bowl now.

Much fuller and on middle, angling in, Nurul Hasan blocks it down the pitch. 10 runs off the over!

Pace off, hard length and down the leg side, Mehidy Hasan Miraz swipes it to deep fine leg for a run.

Bangs this into the pitch, outsid off, angling away, Mehidy Hasan Miraz tries to go after it but fails to connet.

FOUR! Much more in control this time! Richard Ngarava bangs this into the pitch, on middle. Mehidy Hasan Miraz gets on top of the bounce, rolls his wrists and pulls it between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket for another boundary.

EDGED AND FOUR! Hard length and on off, angling in with extra bounce. Mehidy Hasan Miraz tries to guide it away but gets a thick outside edge that races to the third man fence for a boundary.

Back of a length and around off, Nurul Hasan runs it down to deep third for a single.

Drags his length back, on middle, Mehidy Hasan Miraz punches it back to the bowler.

Slows it up, full and on off, Mehidy Hasan Miraz gets forward and taps it o short cover.

Flighted, full and on off, Mehidy Hasan Miraz bunts it down the pitch.

Flatter, short and on off, Mehidy Hasan Miraz pats it back to the bowler.

Short and on middle, Nurul Hasan moves back and tucks it through square leg for a single.

FOUR! Finds the gap! Floated, shortish and on middle, Nurul Hasan gets down on one knee and swipes it away between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Hard length and just outside off, takes off again, Mehidy Hasan Miraz tries to cut but misses.

Almost another! A well-directed bumper, on off, Mehidy Hasan Miraz tries to pull it away but the ball gets big on him. He miscues it in the air, but luckily it falls well ahead of mid on.

Bangladesh lose half their side now. Skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz comes out to the middle.

OUT! CAUGHT! Richard Ngarava strikes on his return to the attack and Zimbabwe are very much in the game here. This is banged hard into the pitch, on off, gets some extra lift off the deck. Mosaddek Hossain tries to take it on with a pull shot but gets rushed. It hits him high on the bat and ball lobs up wide of mid on, where Blessing Muzarabani moves to his right and takes a good catch. Bangladesh are 176/5 now.

Dug into the surface, on off, angling in, Mosaddek Hossain tries to cut close from his body but chops it down to the keeper.

Short of a length and on off, Mosaddek Hossain dabs it down to point.

FOUR! Powered away! Just back of a length and outside off. Mosaddek Hossain gives the charge, extends his arms and smashes it through covers for a boundary.

Richard Ngarava comes back into the attack.

Flatter, full and on midle, Mosaddek Hossain drills it to long on for a single.

Goes short and around leg, Mosaddek Hossain clips it to square leg.

Flighted, full and on midle, Mosaddek Hossain fends it down the pitch.

Floated, full and on middle, Mosaddek Hossain blocks it out.

Tossed up, full and on off, Mosaddek Hossain uses his feet and lofts it over extra covers for a brace.

Out goes Towhid Hridoy, in comes Mosaddek Hossain.

OUT! TAKEN IN THE DEEP! Wessly Madhevere gets the big fish and the slight half actually helps Zimbabwe, and Richard Ngarava surely won't complain about it. Wessly Madhevere drags his length back, on middle, there to be hit. Towhid Hridoy rocks back to pull it away but gets it high on the bat. It flies to deep square leg, where Brad Evans is standing well ahead of the ropes, moves forward and takes a good running catch. Hridoy is absolutely livid with himself, but he has played a gritty knock here. Bangladesh are 169/4, still needing 79 runs in 83 balls.

Nurul Hasan is getting some treatment on his left calf. Richard Ngarava is not happy with the game being slowed down and has a chat with the umpire.

Slower, full and on middle, Nurul Hasan tucks it with soft hands through mid-wicket and comes back for the second run. 11 runs off the over!

Hard length and on off, Towhid Hridoy pats it in front of point for a single.

A full toss, on middle, Towhid Hridoy uses his feet again but gets a but hurried and tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Short of a length and around leg, Towhid Hridoy keeps it out to the leg side.

FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries! Fuller in length and on off, Towhid Hridoy walks across his stumps, gets to the pitch of the ball and drives it with a straight bat past mid on for four more runs.

FOUR! Sloppy work in the deep! Short of a length and outside off, Towhid Hridoy uses the width on offer and cuts it through backward point. Newman Nyamhuri from deep third runs to his right, gets to the ball but dives over it and lets it through for a boundary.

Looped up, full and on off, Towhid Hridoy uses his feet and flicks it to deep mid-wicket for one more. Bangladesh need a run-a-ball 90 now!

A bit short and around off, Nurul Hasan punches it towards extra cover and scampers across for one.

Flighted, full and on middle, Nurul Hasan knocks it down the pitch.

FIFTY FOR HRIDOY! A fantastic knock from him, and this has come under pressure. His 14th half-century in ODIs. Flatter, full and on off, Towhid Hridoy pushes it wide of short cover for a run.

Drops it short and on off, Nurul Hasan stays back and pats it in front of short cover for a quick single.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Nurul Hasan prods forward and blocks it out.

With 34 overs bowled, Zimbabwe will now pick one of the two balls to continue for the rest of this game.

Hard length and around off, Towhid Hridoy stabs it out to short cover. He remains on 49.

WIDE! Bangs in a bouncer, on middle, but too high for the batter, Towhid Hridoy sways away from it. Wided.

Dug into the surface, on off, Towhid Hridoy dabs it to the right of point and sets off for the run, but Nurul sends him back this time.

Back of a length and on off, Towhid Hridoy steers it away to point.

Good length and on off, holds its line, Nurul Hasan gets a bit squared up and guides it to third man for a run.

FOUR! Put away! Short of a length and on middle, angling in a bit. Nurul Hasan picks up the length early and shovels it away to the deep square leg fence for a boundary. 150 up for Bangladesh. Runs needed come into the double digits now.

Fuller and on middle, Towhid Hridoy clips it through mid-wicket for a single.

Brad Evans replaces Blessing Muzarabani.

Slows it up, full and on middle, Nurul Hasan turns it to the leg side. He wants the run again but is sent back. Maiden over!

Short again and on middle, Nurul Hasan tucks to the right of short mid-wicket and sets off for the run but is sent back.

Flatter, short and on off, Nurul Hasan pushes it to cover.

Tossed up, full and on middle and off, Nurul Hasan defends it on the front foot.

A bit short and on middle, Nurul Hasan stays back and keeps it out on the pitch.

Floated, full and on middle, turns in, Nurul Hasan prods forward and blocks it out.

Wessly Madhevere has been introduced into the attack now.

Dug into the surface, on middle, Towhid Hridoy hops up to ride the bounce and keeps it out to the off side. 9 runs off the over!

Good length and on off, Nurul Hasan runs it down to deep third for a single.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Hard length but angling down the leg side, there to be put away. Nurul Hasan gets inside the line of it and helps it on its way to the fine leg fence for another boundary.

Touch fuller and on middle and off, Nurul Hasan blocks it out from his crease.

Back of a length and on off, Nurul Hasan stays back and dabs it down to point.

FOUR! Cracking stroke! Short of a length and just outside off. Nurul Hasan gets the chance to free his arms and crunches it through point for a boundary.

FOUR! Gets it away! Brian Bennett gives this one some more air, full and on off. Towhid Hridoy gets his hands through and crashes the drive through covers for a boundary. Bangladesh need 110 runs in 114 balls now.

Drops it short again and around leg, Towhid Hridoy rocks abck and pulls it but fails to beat square leg.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Nurul Hasan eases it down to long on for one.

Drags his length back, on middle, turns in, Towhid Hridoy backs away and stabs it out to cover-point for another run.

Flighted, full and on middle, Nurul Hasan uses his feet and drills it to long on for a run.

Floated, short and on middle, Towhid Hridoy moves back and punches it to long on for a single.

On the stumps, fuller in length, Nurul Hasan blocks it back to the left of the bowler.

Hard length, on off, Nurul Hasan stabs it to cover.

Nice and full, on off, Nurul Hasan blocks it to mid off.

Back of a length, on off, Nurul Hasan hops a bit and taps it to cover.

Hard length, on off, Nurul Hasan pushes it to mid off.

Wide! Down the leg side, Nurul Hasan looks to flick it but misses.

Hard length, on off, Nurul Hasan gets in two minds and decides to leave it at the very end. The ball catchs the tow end of his bat and bounces towards the keeper. Dot.

DRINKS BREAK! Bangladesh are 129/3 after 29 overs. They need 119 in 126 balls now. Towhid Hridoy and Nurul Hasan will try to rebuild a gritty stand again, while Zimbabwe will continue their hunt for wickets. If Zimbabwe can manage to pick the wicket of Towhid Hridoy, they can get the game under their control. The game for now is evenly poised. Let's see how it goes...

Tossed up, on off, Towhid Hridoy stabs it back to the bowler.

Much fuller, on off, Nurul Hasan digs it to mid-wicket for another single.

Short, on off, Towhid Hridoy punches it to cover for a single.

Flatter, on leg, Towhid Hridoy flicks it to mid-wicket.

Short and wide, Towhid Hridoy looks to cut it but misses.

Much fuller, on leg, Nurul Hasan tucks it to mid-wicket for a run.

Bangs it short, on off, Towhid Hridoy sways away from it.

Fullish, on leg, Nurul Hasan turns it to backward square leg for a single.

Much fuller, on leg, Towhid Hridoy flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Back of a length, on off, Towhid Hridoy taps it to backward point.

A tad fuller, on leg, Towhid Hridoy flicks it to mid on.

Hard length, on leg, Nurul Hasan tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Short, on off, Towhid Hridoy punches it to cover. End of a successful over for Zimbabwe.

Fuller, on leg, Nurul Hasan flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Slowish, on middle, Nurul Hasan blocks it back to the bowler.

Brian Bennett strikes in his very first over. Nurul Hasan walks in to bat now.

OUT! TIMBER! The bowling change has worked for Bangladesh. Brian Bennett gets his first ODI wicket. Slowish, on off, and it keeps low. Tanzid Hasan gets low and looks to slog it but gets beaten on the lack of bounce as the ball hits the timber. Brian Bennett breaks the gritty 84-run stand. Bangladesh are 122/3 after 26.3 overs.

Tossed up, on off, Tanzid Hasan leans on and blocks it back to the bowler.

Fullish, on off, Towhid Hridoy flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Brian Bennett comes into the attack now.

Fullish, outside off, Towhid Hridoy drives it through covers. Brian Bennett has a long chase to do to his right as the batters collect three runs.

Angling in, on off, Towhid Hridoy knocks it to mid on. Five dots in a row.

Hard length, on off, Towhid Hridoy tucks it to mid-wicket.

Much fuller, on off, Towhid Hridoy blocks it to cover.

Angling in, on off, Towhid Hridoy tucks it to mid-wicket.

Too full, on leg, Towhid Hridoy digs it to mid on.

Bangladesh are 118/2 after 25 overs. They need 130 runs in 150 balls now. Newman Nyamhuri continues...

Turn and bounce, on off, Towhid Hridoy punches it through covers for a single.

A bit short, on off, Towhid Hridoy eases it back to the bowler.

Turning in, on off, Towhid Hridoy stabs it back to the bowler.

FOUR! Through the gap for four runs! Fullish, outside off, Towhid Hridoy picks it well and steers it through backward point for a boundary.

Fired in, on leg, Towhid Hridoy flicks it to square leg. The misfield allows the batters to collect two runs.

Full and on leg, Towhid Hridoy blocks it back to the bowler.

Much fuller, on off, Tanzid Hasan pushes it back to the bowler.

Hard length, on top of off, Tanzid Hasan punches it to cover.

Back of a length, on off, Towhid Hridoy pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.

Angling in, on off, Towhid Hridoy pushes it to mid off.

Wide! Way outside off, Towhid Hridoy leaves. Wide called.

Fullish, on off, Towhid Hridoy eases it to mid off.

Wide! Down the leg side, Towhid Hridoy looks to flick it but misses.

Angling in, on off, Towhid Hridoy cuts it to point.

Short and wide, Tanzid Hasan cuts it through backward point for a brace.

Short, on off, Tanzid Hasan blocks it to mid off.

Big appeal but nothing from the umpire! They are pleading but the umpire is unmoved. Flatter, outside off, Tanzid Hasan looks to cut it but misses. The keeper takes the catch and almost celebrates. There is no DRS for this series so the umpires call stands.

Tossed up, outside off, Towhid Hridoy drives it through covers. The fielder has a long chase to do as the batters collect three runs.

Flatter, on leg, Tanzid Hasan tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Fullish, on off, Towhid Hridoy digs it to mid-wicket for a single.

Free hit! Much fuller, on off, Tanzid Hasan flicks it towards mid-wicket where Raza takes the catch. It won't count, though, as this was a free hit. The batters collect two runs. 100 comes up for Bangladesh.

Keeps it on off, Towhid Hridoy punches it through covers for a single. Oh, it's a no-ball for overstepping. Free hit coming up...

Slightly shorter, on leg, Towhid Hridoy looks to flick it but misses.

Back of a length, on off, Tanzid Hasan pulls it through mid-wicket for another single.

Short, on leg, Towhid Hridoy pulls it through backward square leg for a single.

A tad fuller, on off, Towhid Hridoy taps it to mid off.

Hard length, on off, Tanzid Hasan pushes it through covers for a single.

Newman Nyamhuri (1-0-7-0) is back on.

Flatter, on off, Towhid Hridoy taps it to mid off.

Too full, on off, Towhid Hridoy blocks it to mid off.

Fullish, on off, Towhid Hridoy pushes it to mid off.

Wide! Down the leg side, Towhid Hridoy looks to flick it but misses. The keeper makes a stumping but Towhid Hridoy was well in.

Fifty up for Tanzid Hasan! Flatter, on leg, Tanzid Hasan knocks it down to mid on for a single. His 8th fifty in the ODIs.

Quicker, outside off, Tanzid Hasan cuts it to point.

Fired in, outside off, Tanzid Hasan cuts it through backward point for a brace.

Bangladesh are 90/2 after 20 overs. The partnership is cruising, and Zimbabwe will be desperate to break this gritty stand. Sikandar Raza continues...

Touch fuller, on leg, Tanzid Hasan flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Full and straight, driven towards cover for a single.

Fullish, outside off, Towhid Hridoy shoulders arms at it.

Hard length, on off, Towhid Hridoy flicks it to mid-wicket.

Angling in, on off, Towhid Hridoy tucks it to mid-wicket.

Good length, outside off, Towhid Hridoy cuts it through backward point for a brace. A 50-run partnership comes up between Towhid Hridoy and Tanzid Hasan now.

Nice and full, on off, Tanzid Hasan stabs it to the right of the bowler.

Flatter, on leg, Towhid Hridoy tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Fired in, on off, Towhid Hridoy toe ends it back to the bowler.

Flatter, outside off, Towhid Hridoy drives it to cover.

Too full, on off, Towhid Hridoy digs it to mid-wicket.

FOUR! That's a stunning shot! Fullish, outside off, Towhid Hridoy leans on and cracks a drive through covers for a boundary.

Hard length, on off, Tanzid Hasan eases it to mid off.

Wide! Short and down leg, Tanzid Hasan leaves it alone. Wided.

Nice and full, on off, Towhid Hridoy taps it to cover for a single.

Fullish, on off, Towhid Hridoy blocks it to mid off.

Much fuller, on off, Towhid Hridoy blocks it to the right of the bowler.

Short, on leg, Tanzid Hasan pulls it through backward square leg for a single.

Back of a length, on off, Towhid Hridoy punches it to cover for a quick single.

Drops it short, on off, Towhid Hridoy tugs it through square leg for a run.

Flatter, on leg, Tanzid Hasan tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! That will ease some pressure! Fullish, on off, Tanzid Hasan winds up and lofts it magnificently over mid on for a boundary.

Fired in, on leg, Tanzid Hasan tucks it to mid-wicket.

Much fuller, on off, Tanzid Hasan stabs it back to the bowler.

Fullish, on off, Towhid Hridoy knocks it to mid on for a single.

Sikandar Raza comes into the attack now.

Back of a length, on off, Towhid Hridoy slaps it through backward point for a single.

Much fuller, on leg, Tanzid Hasan flicks it to fine leg for a single.

Bangs it short, on off, Tanzid Hasan ducks under it.

Back of a length, on off, Towhid Hridoy slaps it to cover for a single.

Fullish, on off, Towhid Hridoy digs it to mid off.

Good length, on off, Towhid Hridoy punches it to cover.

Short, on leg, Towhid Hridoy pulls it through mid-wicket for a brace. Innocent Kaia dives to his left near the fence and stops the boundary.

DRINKS BREAK! Bangladesh are 64/2 after 15 overs. They need 184 in 210 balls now. Towhid Hridoy and Tanzid Hasan have steadied the ship for them, and they will try to bat long. Zimbabwe will try to hunt for wickets and put the Bangladesh batters under pressure. The game seems evenly poised as of now. Let's see how it pans out...

Fullish, on off, Towhid Hridoy knocks it to mid on for a single.

Hard length, on off, Towhid Hridoy tucks it through mid-wicket for a brace.

A mix up but Tanzid Hasan is safe! Full, on leg, Towhid Hridoy tucks it to mid-wicket. Tanzid Hasan runs for a single but is sent back. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. A direct hit and Tanzid Hasan was a goner.

Good length, on middle, Tanzid Hasan tucks it through square leg for a single.

Angling in, on leg, Tanzid Hasan blocks it to mid on.

FOUR! Excellent use of feet! Hard length, outside off, Tanzid Hasan moves forward, turns it into a half volley, and slashes it over cover for a boundary.

Fullish, on off, Towhid Hridoy knocks it to mid off.

Hard length, on off, Towhid Hridoy taps it back to the bowler.

Back of a length, on off, Towhid Hridoy taps it to cover-point.

A tad fuller, outside off, Towhid Hridoy shoulders arms at it.

Slowish, outside off, Towhid Hridoy leaves it alone.

Back of a length, on leg, Tanzid Hasan tugs it to backward square leg for a run.

Bangs it short, on off, Towhid Hridoy tugs it to mid on. A dot to end the over.

Angling in, on leg, Tanzid Hasan tucks it to square leg for a single.

FOUR! That's a good looking shot! Fullish, outside off, Tanzid Hasan leans on and drives it magnificently through wide of mid off for a boundary.

On the stumps, fuller in length, Tanzid Hasan defends it back to the bowler.

Back of a length, on off, Towhid Hridoy knocks it to mid on for a single. 50 comes up for Bangladesh.

Slowish, on off, Towhid Hridoy stabs it to cover.

Slightly shorter, on off, Tanzid Hasan punches it to the cover fielder.

Back of a length, on off, Tanzid Hasan punches it to cover.

Fullish, outside off, Tanzid Hasan slashes it through backward point for a brace. Good fielding in the deep.

Too full, outside off, Tanzid Hasan looks to drive it but misses.

FOUR! That races away for four runs! Fullish, outside off, Tanzid Hasan leans on and cracks a drive through covers for a boundary.

Wide! Wayward, down leg, Tanzid Hasan leaves it alone.

Much fuller, on off, Tanzid Hasan tucks it to mid-wicket.

Newman Nyamhuri comes into the attack now.

Angling in, on off, Towhid Hridoy blocks it to cover.

A tad fuller, on off, Tanzid Hasan pushes it to point. Wessly Madhevere dives to his left and makes a good stop. Keeps it to a single.

Fullish, on off, Towhid Hridoy tucks it to mid-wicket for another run.

Hard length, on leg, Tanzid Hasan tucks it to square leg for a single.

Slightly shorter, outside off, Towhid Hridoy punches it through backward point for a single.

Back of a length, on middle, Towhid Hridoy stabs it back to the bowler.

Powerplay 2! Zimbabwe can now have four fielders outside the inner ring till the 40th over. The hosts have done well to pick up two wickets in this phase and keep the runs in check as well. Bangladesh need a partnership here.

Maiden over! Touch fuller and on off, Tanzid Hasan guides it to point.

Bangs in a bouncer now, on middle, Tanzid Hasan ducks under it.

On a length and on off, Tanzid Hasan taps it to short cover.

Beaten! Short of a length and on off, gets it to shape away with extra bounce. Tanzid Hasan tries to play from his crease but the ball zips past the outside edge.

Hard length and on off, Tanzid Hasan stabs it out to extra cover.

Back of a length and outside off, angling away, Tanzid Hasan leaves it alone.

On a length and on off, Towhid Hridoy keeps it out to the off side.

A sharp bumper, around off, Towhid Hridoy gets his hands above his head and swats it to square leg.

The bowling change has worked for Zimbabwe. Towhid Hridoy comes out to the middle now.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Brad Evans strikes in his first over, and you just cannot keep him out of this game. He hits the deck hard, on midlde, nips back in a bit. Najmul Hossain Shanto gets stuck in his crease and tries to clip it away but gets an inside edge onto his thigh pad as the ball flies behind, where Clive Madande dives to his right to take a fine catch. Bangladesh are 38/2 now.

Uppish but safe! Brad Evans bangs this into the pitch, outside off. Tanzid Hasan slashes at it but gets an outside edge. It goes in the air but drops in front of deep third for a single.

Fuller delivery, on middle, Tanzid Hasan fends it to the left of the bowler.

Back of a length and around off, Tanzid Hasan pushes it to short cover.

First bowling change. Brad Evans comes into the attack now.

Pitched up and angling into the pads, Tanzid Hasan clips it through mid-wicket. Brian Bennett chases after it to collect it. Three taken.

Hits the deck hard, around off, Tanzid Hasan guides it away to point.

Short of a length and outside off, Tanzid Hasan cuts it away through backward point. Newman Nyamhuri from deep third runs to his left and makes a good diving stop. Two taken.

On a length and on off, Tanzid Hasan pats it down to mid off.

Good length and on middle and off, Tanzid Hasan stays back in his crease and blocks it out.

Back of a length and around off, Najmul Hossain Shanto punches it wide of mid off for a single.

Fuller one and on middle, Najmul Hossain Shanto's head falls a bit but he manages to knock it towards mid on for one.

Hard length and around leg, Tanzid Hasan fails to glance it away as the ball goes off his pads towards fine leg. Leg bye taken.

SIX! Shot of authority! Much fuller again, on middle, Tanzid Hasan plays the pick-up shot, launching it over the long on fence for a biggie.

Pitched up and on middle, angling in, Najmul Hossain Shanto clips it through mid-wicket for a triple.

Fuller one and on middle, shaping in, Najmul Hossain Shanto blocks it down hte pitch.

Short of a length and around off, takes off again. Tanzid Hasan tries to steer it away but gets a thick outside edge through the vacant second slip region for a single

Dug into the surface, on off, angling away, Najmul Hossain Shanto leaves it alone.

A bit fuller, on middle, Najmul Hossain Shanto lunges out and blocks it out.

Lands this on a good length and on off, Najmul Hossain Shanto hops up and stabs it to the off side.

Edgy! Hard length and around off, angling away, Tanzid Hasan looks to guide it away but gets an outside edge. It flies wide of the slip cordon towards third man for a single.

Back of a length and on middle, Tanzid Hasan swivels and pulls it on the bounce to square leg.

Short of a length and on middle, Tanzid Hasan stays back and keeps it out on the pitch.

Good length and on middle, Najmul Hossain Shanto gets behind the line of it and blocks it out.

Fuller one and on middle, Najmul Hossain Shanto blocks it out solidly.

FOUR! Top shot! A half-volley around off. Najmul Hossain Shanto leans ontohis drive nicely and creams it through covers for a boundary.

Back of a length and on middle, angling in, Najmul Hossain Shanto gets hurried and miscues the pull off the inner half of the bat to square leg.

Bowls a good yorker, on middle, tailing in, Tanzid Hasan tucks it through square leg for a single.

Short of a length and on off, Tanzid Hasan dabs it to cover-point.

Short of a length and on off, Najmul Hossain Shanto hops up and stabs it to short cover.

Hits the deck hard and around off, angling away again, Najmul Hossain Shanto offers no shot at it.

Hard length and on middle, Najmul Hossain Shanto blocks it out.

Back of a length and outside off, angling away, Najmul Hossain Shanto lets it go.

Early blow for Bangladesh. Najmul Hossain Shanto walks out to bat at number 3.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Blessing Muzarabani draws first blood. He lands this on a good length, on middle and off, gets it to shape away and the ball shoots up off the deck sharply. Soumya Sarkar tries to play at it but gets undone by the extra bounce, and the ball catches the outside edge. It flies to the right of second slip, where Sikandar Raza takes a sharp catch. Bangladesh are 13/1, chasing 248 runs.

Fuller one and on middle, Soumya Sarkar knocks it to mid off.

Slightly fuller in length, on off, shaping away, Tanzid Hasan taps it towards cover.

Dug into the surface, on middle and leg, kicks up a bit, Tanzid Hasan rides the bounce well to keep it out on the pitch.

On a length and around off, Soumya Sarkar steers it through point for a single.

Short of a length and well outside off, Soumya Sarkar slashes hard but fails to connect.

Hard-length delivery, around leg, Soumya Sarkar nudges it through mid-wicket for a brace.

Good length and on middle, Soumya Sarkar tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Play and a miss! Back of a length and around off, angling away with extra bounce. Tanzid Hasan has a poke at it but ges beaten on the outside edge.

Much fuller and around off, Tanzid Hasan pushes it to cover.

FOUR! Nice shot! Blessing Muzarabani lands this short and just outside off. Tanzid Hasan accepts the width on offer and cuts it away in the gap between point and cover. Both fielders chase after it, but Brian Bennett dives to stop it but fails to do so. His left shoulder hit the ground hard, and he looks in a bit of pain here. The physio is checking on him.

On a length and on middle and leg, Tanzid Hasan clips it to short mid-wicket.

Good length and around leg, Soumya Sarkar gets cramped up and tucks it through square leg for a single.

WIDE! Hits the deck hard but down the leg side again, Soumya Sarkar fails to glance it away. Wdied again.

Back of a length and on middle and leg, Soumya Sarkar keeps it out to the leg side.

WIDE! Blessing Muzarabani begins with a short-of-a-length delivery down the leg side, keeps shaping in and rises up as well. Soumya Sarkar lets it go and the keeper leaps to his right to collect it. Wided.

Blessing Muzarabani to share the attack.

Touch fuller and on middle and off, angles in, Tanzid Hasan has a swipe across the line but misses and gets hit on the body.

Hard length and around leg, Soumya Sarkar nudges it through square leg for a run.

Halt! Soumya Sarkar is having issues with some things near the sight screen. Maybe the white covers that are piled up there, but we are good to go again.

WIDE! Pitched up but down the leg side, Soumya Sarkar fails to glance it away. Wided.

Short of a length and on middle, angling into the leg, Soumya Sarkar hops up to pull but miscues it off the inner half of the to the left of square leg.

Back of a length and around off, Tanzid Hasan steers it through backward point for a single. Bangladesh are underway in the chase!

Touch fuller and on off, shaping in, Tanzid Hasan looks to push it away but gets an inside edge onto his pads.

Richard Ngarava starts with a good-length delivery, on off, Tanzid Hasan gets behind the line of it and blocks it out.

SIX! Brad Evans wraps up the innings in style! 22 runs off the final over. Taskin Ahmed goes slower again, into the pitch and just outside off. Brad Evans stands tall, extends his arms and pumps it over the long on fence for a biggie. Zimbabwe finishes on 247/6!

Swing and a miss! Good length and around off, Brad Evans has a big hoick across the line but misses.

FOUR! MAIDEN ODI FIFTY FOR EVANS! Off 36 balls. He is playing a blinder here and finishing with a flurry, exactly what Zimbabwe wanted. This is a bit fuller, on middle, Brad Evans shuffles across and scoops it nicely to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Nails the yorker now, just outside off, Brad Evans fails to dig it out.

SIX MORE! Even bigger this time! Taskin Ahmed hits the length hard, on middle, angling in a bit. Brad Evans clears his front leg away and smokes it over the deep square leg fence for half a dozen more.

SIX! BANG! Perfect start to the over for Zimbabwe. Back of a length and on middle, takes pace off. Brad Evans picks it up early, waits for it and whacks it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Taskin Ahmed to bowl the final over. How many runs can Zimbabwe get? Let's see.

In the blockhole, on middle, Ben Curran opens the bat face and squeezes it out towards sweeper cover for a brace.

Nahid Rana bowls a high full toss, angling down the leg side, Ben Curran backs away and swings at it but misses. It was close to being above the waist.

Good yorker, on middle, Brad Evans jams it out to extra cover for another run.

Hard length and on off, Brad Evans has a swipe across the line but gets an inside edge towards fine leg. The fielder moves to his right to cut it off. Two taken.

Low full toss, around off, Ben Curran opens the bat face and steers it straight to point for a run.

Nails the yorker, on off, tails in, Brad Evans digs it out on the pitch as the ball rolls behind to the keeper. The batters steal a single.

Bangladesh have been penalised for Slow Over Rate. They can only have 4 fielders outside the circle for the last two overs.

Bangs this into the pitch, on middle, Brad Evans goes for the pull but mistimes it. The fielder from deep mid-wicket comes forward but the ball drops well in front of him. He does well to get his body behind the ball to stop it. They cross.

FOUR! Gets it away! Shoriful Islam tries the wide yorker, but serves a low full toss, outside off. Brad Evans extends his arms and carves it over extra covers for a boundary.

Dug into the surface, outside off, slower as well. Brad Evans pulls it away wide of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Low full toss, outside off, Ben Curran reaches out for it and drills it to deep point for a single.

Short of a length and just outside off, takes pace off, Ben Curran goes through the pull shot early and misses.

Fuller delivery, around off, angling away, Ben Curran sets up for the reverse scoop but fails to connect.

Shoriful Islam to bowl out now.

Overpitched delivery, on off, Brad Evans drills it to mid off.

SIX! Goes all the way! Nahid Rana bangs this into the pitch hard, on middle, angling in. Brad Evans gets rushed on the pull shot and the ball takes the top edge. It goes high in the air towards fine leg, where Shoriful Islam thinks he is in the game, but the ball swirls in the wind and goes over the fence for a biggie.

Back of a length and just outside off, Brad Evans steps across to scoop but misses and takes a tumble on the ground as well.

Another full toss, on leg, Ben Curran backs away and forces it down to long on for a single. Rana has overstepped here and it is called a No Ball. Free Hit up next..

Bangs in a quick and sharp bouncer, on middle and leg, Ben Curran tries to hook it away but fails to connect.

Hard length and around off, Ben Curran shuffles a long way across to scoop it away but as the ball goes off his pads towards point. Curran sets off for the leg bye but gives up as he sees the ball in the hands of the fielder. However, he misses his shy at the bowler's end and the batters get the second run as well.

A full toss, on middle, Ben Curran tries to hit it a bit too hard and loses his shape. He ends up dragging it wide of long on for a brace. 200 UP FOR ZIMBABWE!

Nahid Rana (8-1-31-1) returns to the attack.

Slower one, on a length and on leg, Ben Curran works it to fine leg for one more.

Dug into the surface, on middle, Ben Curran swats it to mid-wicket.

Hard length and angling in, Brad Evans fails to glance it away as the ball goes off his pads to the left of the keeper. A leg bye taken.

Fuller and on leg, Ben Curran clips it through mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! HUNDRED FOR CURRAN! A magnificent knock from him and he has looked solid right from the start. He will want to finish big now. Short of a length and on middle, Ben Curran swivels and pulls it away to the deep square leg fence for a biggie. The helmet is off, the bat is raised up to soak in the moment.

FOUR! Lovely shot! Back of a length and just around off. Ben Curran gets on top of the bounce and punches it with sweet timing through covers for a boundary. He moves to 98 now.

Short, on off, Ben Curran taps it to mid on for one more.

Slowish, on off, Brad Evans knocks it down to long on for a single.

Fired in, on off, Ben Curran pushes it to cover for a single.

Much fuller, on off, Ben Curran plays a reverse sweep towards backward point. Dot.

Fullish, on off, Brad Evans knocks it to mid on.

Flatter, on off, Brad Evans moves forward and flicks it to mid-wicket.

A full toss, on off, Brad Evans tucks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Angling in, on off, Brad Evans stabs it back to the bowler.

A low full toss, on off, Ben Curran taps it to long on for a single.

Slowish, outside off, Ben Curran taps it to cover.

Nice and full, on off, Ben Curran eases it to cover.

Back of a length, on off, Brad Evans punches it to cover for a run.

Shortish, on off, Brad Evans pushes it down to mid on for a single.

Keeps it full, on off, Ben Curran plays a reverse sweep towards point for a single.

Fullish, on off, Brad Evans knocks it down the ground for a single.

Fired in, on off, Ben Curran flicks it to mid-wicket for a run.

Turn and bounce, outside off, Brad Evans flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

SIX! A much-needed biggie for Zimbabwe! Flatter, on off, Brad Evans gets down on one knee and slog sweeps it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Back of a length, on leg, Brad Evans tugs it to the on side for a single.

Hard length, on off, Brad Evans eases it back to the bowler.

Wide! A wayward bouncer, outside off, Brad Evans leaves. Wided.

Angling in, on off, Brad Evans blocks it to mid on.

Full and outside off, Brad Evans drives it through covers for a brace.

Much fuller, on leg, Ben Curran flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Down the leg side, Ben Curran looks to flick it but the ball brushes his pads and rolls towards the keeper. Dot.

Tight over from Rishad Hossain! Short, on off, Ben Curran punches it to cover for a single.

Big appeal but the umpire is not interested! Quicker, on leg, Ben Curran looks to block it but misses. An appeal but turned down. Perhaps missing leg.

Fired in, on off, Ben Curran stabs it back to the bowler.

Fullish, on leg, Ben Curran flicks it to square leg.

Much fuller, on off, Ben Curran blocks it to the left of the bowler.

Too full, on leg, Brad Evans knocks it to mid on for a single.

Powerplay 3! Now five fielders are allowed outside the inner ring till the last ball of this innings.

Pace off, hard length and around off, Ben Curran stabs it out to short cover.

WIDE! A bouncer down the leg side, Ben Curran ducks under it Wided.

Back of a length and outside off, Ben Curran cuts it away towards deep point and turns around for the second. Rishad Hossain throws it at the keeper's end, where Nurul Hasan breaks the stumps, but Curran drags his bat inside in time.

Short of a length and around off, kicks off a bit, Ben Curran tries to upper cut it but misses.

Touch fuller and on middle, Ben Curran blocks it down the pitch.

Good length and on middle and leg, Ben Curran tucks it with soft hands through backward square leg for a brace.

Fuller and on middle, angling in, Ben Curran swipes it off the inner half of the bat towards deep square leg for a single. The throw from the deep is a wild one, allowing the batters to get the second.

Slows it up, full and on off, Brad Evans taps it to short cover.

Looped up, full and on off, Brad Evans pushes it to short cover.

Flighted, full and on middle, Brad Evans defends it on the front foot.

Tossed up, full and on off, Brad Evans prods forward and blocks it out.

Good effort in the deep! Short and on middle, Brad Evans rocks back and pulls it away wide of deep square leg. Towhid Hridoy runs to his right and dives to make a fine top. Two taken.

Floated, full and on middle, Brad Evans clips it to square leg.

Dug into the surface, angling into the batter, takes off a bit, Ben Curran keeps it out in front of square leg.

On a length and on middle and leg, Ben Curran tucks it to the leg side.

WIDE! Another bumper but down the leg side, Ben Curran lets it go. Wided.

Bangs in a bouncer now, on middle, Ben Curran ducks under it.

Tries the yorker, angles it into the legs ide, Ben Curran nicely tucks it away through mid-wicket and comes back for the second run.

Back of a length and on middle, Ben Curran stays back and blocks it out on the pitch. The ball jumps up and hits the grill of his helmet but no harm done.

Short of a length and on middle, Ben Curran pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a brace. 150 up for Zimbabwe!

Slower through the air, full and on off, Brad Evans defends it on the front foot.

The next batter in is Brad Evans.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Rishad Hossain strikes now. He bowls this flatter and shorter, just outside off, turns away a bit with some extra bounce. Clive Madande backs away to cut it away but only manages a thin outside edge behind, where Nurul Hasan takes a sharp catch. Zimbabwe are 148/6 now.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Ben Curran eases it down to long on for a run.

Goes short again and on off, Ben Curran punches it but fails to beat short cover.

Flatter, short and on off, Clive Madande opens the bat face and steers it wide of backward point for a single.

A loopy full toss around off, Clive Madande drills it hard and wide of short cover. The fielder dives to his left to make a superb stop.

Much fuller and on off, Ben Curran knocks it to mid off.

A bouncer now, on middle, Ben Curran ducks under it.

Beauty! Nahid Rana lands this on a good length in the channel outside off, angles in and then straightens off the deck. Ben Curran has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outisde edge.

Bangs this into the pitch, just outside off, Ben Curran sways away from it.

Back of a length and around off, Ben Curran cuts it wide of deep point for a brace.

Short of a length and around off, Clive Madande steers it through point for a single.

Nahid Rana comes back into the attack now.

Dragged back, on middle, Clive Madande punches it to long on for one more.

Slows it up, full and on off, Ben Curran uses his feet and chips it to long off for one.

Arm ball, full and on middle, angling in, Ben Curran fends it to the right of the short mid-wicket.

Tossed up, full and on off, Clive Madande drills it towards long on for a run.

Flighted, full and on leg, Ben Curran tucks it through mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Good shot! Floated, full and on middle, Ben Curran clears his front leg away and whips it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

A tad fuller and around off, Clive Madande gets half-forward and keeps it out to the off side.

Back of a length and on middle, Clive Madande hops up and pats it towards point.

Short of a length and on off, Ben Curran dabs it to the right of short cover for a quick single.

Much fuller and on off, Ben Curran drives it firmly to mid off.

Good length and on middle, Ben Curran gets behind the line of it and blocks it out.

Back of a length and on off, Ben Curran tries to guide it from too close to his body. He ends up chopping it down as the ball bounces to the keeper.

Looped up, full and on middle, Clive Madande turns it to short mid-wicket. A wicket-maiden over from Miraz!

A bit short and on middle, Clive Madande clips it to short mid-wicket.

Slows it up, full and on off, Clive Madande fends it to the off side.

Flighted, full and on off, Clive Madande drives it to mid off.

Tossed up, full and on off, Clive Madande gets forward and blocks it out.

Out goes Sikandar Raza, in comes Clive Madande.

OUT! CAUGHT! Mehidy Hasan Miraz once again comes up trumps for Bangladesh, breaking the 68-run stand. He floats this up and drops it short, on off. Sikandar Raza backs away and punches it but fails to keep it down. It flies straight to short cover, where Towhid Hridoy gets low and takes a sharp catch, inches above the ground. Raza is disappointed with himself as he knows this is a very soft dismissal. Zimbabwe lose half their side now.

Nagging length and on middle, angling in sharply, Sikandar Raza gets cramped up but manages to tuck it through square leg for one more.

Hard length and on off, Ben Curran pats it in front of point for a quick run.

Short of a length and outside off, Sikandar Raza cuts it away hard towards point. Najmul Hossain Shanto gets a hand on it but it deflects behind him, allowing the batters to take a single. Shanto has hurt his hand while making that stop.

Fuller delivery, on off, Sikandar Raza drives it away to short cover.

Swing and a miss! Back of a length and around off, nips back in again. Sikandar Raza comes down the track to heave it across the line but fails to connect.

Good length and on off, jags back in, Sikandar Raza gets across and blocks it out.

DRINKS! Zimbabwe have built a nice platform for a big score here, with the partnership of 65* between Sikandar Raza and Ben Curran. The pair has looked very assured, not giving anything to the bowlers while also putting away the loose balls. Bangladesh spinners have not been that effective, and maybe it is time to bring pace back on to change things around. They are doing exactly that as Taskin Ahmed will bowl after the break.

Flatter, full and on middle, angling in, Ben Curran knocks it down the pitch.

Slower through the air, full and on of, Sikandar Raza steers it towards point for a run.

Dragged back, on middle and off, Sikandar Raza backs away to swat it away but ends up slicing across it. It flies just over the mid off fielder for a brace.

Tossed up, full and on off, Sikandar Raza gets forward and taps it to short cover.

Floated, shortish and on middle, Sikandar Raza clips it to square leg.

Shorter in length and on middle, Ben Curran punches it down to long on for a single.

Much fuller, on off, Sikandar Raza eases it to the cover fielder.

Turn and bounce, on off, Sikandar Raza eases it to cover.

Flatter, outside off, Sikandar Raza lunges and blocks it to cover.

FOUR! Nicely driven! Fullish again, on off, Sikandar Raza picks it well and crunches it through covers for a boundary.

Nice and full, on off, Sikandar Raza blocks it to cover.

Fullish, on off, Ben Curran knocks it down the ground for a single.

Too full, on off, Sikandar Raza eases it back to the bowler.

Much fuller, on off, Sikandar Raza guides it to point.

A bit too full, on off, Sikandar Raza blocks it back to the bowler.

Much fuller, on leg, Ben Curran flicks it to square leg for a single.

Flatter, on leg, Sikandar Raza helps it to fine leg for a single.

FOUR! That's a nice looking shot from Sikandar Raza! Fullish, outside off, Sikandar Raza latches onto it and drives it through covers for a boundary.

Much fuller, on leg, Ben Curran sweeps it to the fielder at square leg.

Flatter, on off, Ben Curran blocks it to mid off.

Quicker and outside off, Ben Curran uses the pace of the ball and guides it to third man for a brace. A 50-run partnership comes up between Sikandar Raza and Ben Curran now.

Fired in, on off, Ben Curran eases it to mid on.

Much fuller, on off, Sikandar Raza pushes it through covers for a single.

Too full, on off, Sikandar Raza digs it back to the bowler.

Nice and full, on off, Ben Curran eases it back to the bowler.

Flatter, on leg, Ben Curran stabs it to point.

FOUR! Very nice from Ben Curran! Fired in, on off, Ben Curran picks it well and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Flatter, on leg, Ben Curran tugs it through mid-wicket for a brace.

Fullish, on off, Sikandar Raza knocks it down to long on for a single.

Quicker, on off, Sikandar Raza blocks it to the off side.

Zimbabwe are 106/4 after 26 overs now. Mosaddek Hossain comes into the attack now.

Turn and bounce, on off, Sikandar Raza knocks it through mid off for a single.

FOUR! That's a good shot from Raza! Flatter, outside off, Sikandar Raza gets low and drills it powerfully through cover-point for a boundary.

Flatter, on off, Sikandar Raza pushes it to mid off.

Tossed up, on leg, Ben Curran sweeps it to fine leg for a run.

Quicker, on off, Ben Curran stabs it to mid on.

Tossed up, on leg, Ben Curran flicks it through square leg for a brace. 100 comes up for Zimbabwe.

Flatter, on leg, Ben Curran knocks it to mid on for a single.

A bit short, on off, Sikandar Raza gets low and flicks it through square leg for a single.

Flatter, on off, Sikandar Raza covers his line and eases it to cover.

Quicker, on off, Sikandar Raza stabs it back to the bowler.

Tossed up, on leg, Ben Curran flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Fired in, on off, Ben Curran eases it to the right of the bowler.

Much fuller, on off, Raza blocks it to cover.

FOUR! That's a poor delivery from Rishad Hossain! He errs it down leg, Sikandar Raza gets down on one knee and paddles it over short fine leg for a boundary.

Much fuller, on off, Sikandar drives it to cover.

Fifty up for Ben Curran! This is just what Zimbabwe requires at the moment. Quicker, on off, Ben Curran guides it to backward point for a single.

Flatter, outside off, Ben Curran cuts it to backward point for a brace. A fumble from the fielder allows them to complete two runs comfortably.

Fired in, on leg, Ben Curran flicks it to mid-wicket.

Zimbabwe are 88/4 after 23 overs now. Spin from both ends now. Rishad Hossain comes into the attack.

Much fuller, on off, Ben Curran taps it to cover for one more.

A bit short, on leg, Sikandar Raza pushes it to mid on for one.

Turn and bounce, on off, Sikandar Raza blocks it to mid-wicket.

Turning in, on off, Ben Curran punches it through covers for a single.

Fullish, on off, Ben Curran pushes it to short cover.

Flatter, on leg, Sikandar Raza knocks it down to long on for a single.

FOUR! A clever shot from Ben Curran! Shoriful Islam bangs it short and on off, Ben Curran uses the pace of the ball and plays an uppercut over the keeper's head for a boundary. He moves to 45 now. Zimbabwe are 84/4 after 22 overs.

A bit short, on off, Sikandar Raza tucks it to the right of the bowler for a quick single. Shoriful Islam has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.

Hard length, on leg, Sikandar Raza stabs it to mid on.

Angling in, on off, Sikandar Raza fends it back to the bowler.

Slowish, outside off, Sikandar Raza shoulders arms at it.

Hard length, outside off, Sikandar Raza looks to block it but wears it on his pads. The ball rolls towards short third. Dot.

Much fuller, on off, Ben Curran pushes it to the left of the bowler, who dives and does well to stop it. A dot to end the over.

Short, on leg, Ben Curran blocks it to mid on.

A bit quicker, on leg, Ben Curran stabs it back to the bowler.

Short, on off, Sikandar Raza knocks it down to mid on for one more.

Fullish, on off, Ben Curran pushes it through cover-point for a single.

Tossed up, on off, Ben Curran looks to slog it but gets an inside edge onto his pads. The ball rolls back to the bowler. Dot.

Hard length and angling into the leg side, Ben Curran tucks it away towards deep fine leg for one.

FOUR! Put away! Shoriful Islam bangs this into the pitch, on off, but not short enough to trouble the batter. Ben Curran gets on top of the bounce and heaves it away to the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

Fuller in length and around off, Sikandar Raza steps across and glances it to deep fine leg for a run.

Back of a length and on off, Ben Curran rolls his wrists and pulls it through square leg for a single.

Bangs in a sharp bouncer, on middle and leg, Ben Curran looks to pull it away but fails to connect.

Short of a length and on off, Ben Curran dabs it down towards point.

Shoriful Islam is back on.

Looped up, full and on middle and off, Sikandar Raza defends it on the front foot.

Slower through the air, full and on middle, Sikandar Raza pushes it back to the bowler.

Flatter, arm ball, full and angling into the leg side. Ben Curran uses his feet to flick it away but gets an inside edge through square leg for a single.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Ben Curran fends it down the pitch.

Floated, full and on middle, Ben Curran gets forward and blocks it out.

Shorter in length, on middle and leg, Ben Curran stays back and pats it to the left of short mid-wicket.

Short of a length and around off, rises up off the deck, Sikandar Raza thinks about going after it but withdraws his bat in the end.

Bangs in a quick and sharp bouncer, on middle, Sikandar Raza ducks under it.

Lands this on a good length and on off, nips back in sharply, Sikandar Raza watches it through and leaves it alone.

Fuller delivery, on middle, angling in, Sikandar Raza knocks it with a straight bat down the pitch.

Short of a length and on middle, Ben Curran hops up and tucks it towards the vacant square leg region. Raza wants the second but is sent back.

On a length and around off, Ben Curran strides out and taps it to short cover.

Slows it up, full and on middle, Sikandar Raza fends it away.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Sikandar Raza blocks it down the pitch.

Flatter, shortish and around off, Sikandar Raza opens the bat face and steers it wide of short third for a brace.

Dragged back, on middle and leg, Sikandar Raza keeps it out to the leg side.

End of the 34-run stand. Sikandar Raza is the next man in.

OUT! TAKEN! Absolutely nothing shot from Wessly Madhevere, and he gifts his wicket away here. Mehidy Hasan Miraz flights this one up, full and around middle. Wessly Madhevere skips down the track to play the lofted shot down the ground but does not get to the pitch of the ball. He still goes through with it and mistimes it high in the air, failing to get the distance on it. It flies straight to long on, where Soumya Sarkar settles under it and takes a good catch. Zimbabwe are 66/4 now.

Floated, full and on off, Wessly Madhevere uses his feet and tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Bangs this into the pitch, on middle, Ben Curran stays back and keeps it out on the pitch.

Dug into the surface, just outside off. Wessly Madhevere lets the ball come to him, opens the bat face and guides it to the left of deep third for a single.

Lands this on a good length and on middle and off, Wessly Madhevere blocks it out well.

Back of a length and around off, Wessly Madhevere hops up to ride the bounce and dabs it to point.

Short of a length and on off, takes off a bit, Wessly Madhevere lifts his hands up to let it go to the keeper.

Fuller delivery, on middle, angling in, Wessly Madhevere steps across and knocks it to mid on.

Slows it up, full and on middle, Ben Curran defends it on the front foot.

Quicker and shorter, on off, Ben Curran opens the face of his bat and steers it past point for a couple of runs.

Flighted, full and around off, Wessly Madhevere gets down and across to paddle it towards fine leg for a run.

Flatter, full and on off, Wessly Madhevere prods forward and blocks it out.

Drops it short and on middle, Wessly Madhevere steps across and clips it to short mid-wicket.

Floated, short and around off, Ben Curran punches it through cover-point for a single.

DRINKS! Bangladesh exploited the conditions nicely, picking up 3 wickets in the first Powerplay, and have bowled really well. However, Ben Curran has shown that if you apply yourself, you can score runs, while Wessly Madhevere has provided good support, and this duo will look to do more of the same. The pitch is still offering plenty for the seamers, and the visitors will just need to be patient and consistent with their line and lengths. Time for some spin as Mehidy Hasan Miraz brings himself to bowl after the break.

FOUR! Excellent shot! Nahid Rana serves this a bit fuller and around off. Wessly Madhevere leans on and drives it on the up, creaming it through covers for a boundary.

Short of a length and on off, Wessly Madhevere stays back and dabs it towards point.

On a length and on off, Ben Curran opens the bat face and guides it through point for a single.

Bangs this into the pitch, on middle, Wessly Madhevere gets rushed and mistimes his pull shot. He hits it to the vacant deep mid-wicket region for three runs.

FOUR! Classy shot! Goes a bit fuller and on middle, angling in. Wessly Madhevere presents the full face of the bat and drives it gloriously back past the bowler for a boundary. 50 up for Zimbabwe.

Massive appeal for LBW, but turned down again! Good length and on middle, straightens off the deck. Wessly Madhevere looks to work it across the line but gets squared up as the ball hits him on the pads. It looked really close, but there is no DRS in this series.

Change of ends for Nahid Rana.

Overpitched delivery, on off, Ben Curran extends his arms and drills it hard but straight to mid off.

Fuller one and on middle, Ben Curran flicks it away through mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Hard length and on middle, angling into the batter, Ben Curran looks to tuck it away but the ball bounces a bit more to catch the leading edge. It lobs up and lands beside the pitch on the leg side.

Goes fuller and around off, Wessly Madhevere looks to drive it away but gets an inside edge towards mid-wicket for a run.

Lands this on a good length, on middle and leg, Wessly Madhevere clips it to square leg.

Short of a length and outside off, Ben Curran cuts it away to deep point for a single.

Shoriful Islam replaces Nahid Rana.

Pitched up and around off, Wessly Madhevere strides out and drives it to short cover. Maiden over!

Short of a length and outside off, shoots up off the deck, Wessly Madhevere slashes hard at it but fails to connect.

On a length and on off, angling in, Wessly Madhevere pats it down the pitch.

Back of a length and around off, Wessly Madhevere gets behind the line of it and blocks itout.

Big shout for LBW, but turned down! Taskin Ahmed hits the length hard, on middle, gets it to nip back in. Wessly Madhevere gets stuck in his crease and fails to flick it away. The ball hits him high on the pads. Probably just going over the stumps.

Good length and on off, angles in, Wessly Madhevere opens the bat face and steers it to gully.

FOUR! Fine shot! Nahid Rana goes much fuller and on middle and off. Ben Curran backs away a but to free his arms and thumps it over the bowler's head for a boundary.

Hard length and on middle, jags back in sharply. Wessly Madhevere gets cramped up and loses his bottom hand. He manages to tuck it to the left of the keeper for a single.

On a length and on off, Wessly Madhevere taps it out towards short cover.

Back of a length and around off, Ben Curran lifts his front leg up and heaves it away towards deep square leg. The fielder from the inner ring runs after it to collect it. Three taken.

Short of a length and on middle, angles in with extra bounce. Ben Curran tries to ride the bounce and keeps it out but it pops up off the shoulder of the bat. Luckily for him, it lands well in front of square leg.

Nahid Rana serves this fuller and just outside off, holds its line, Ben Curran has a tentative push at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Powerplay 2. A maximum of 4 fielders can be placed outside the inner ring now till the 40th over.

Slightly shorter, on off, Wessly Madhevere looks to block it but hits him high on his pads. A dot to end the over. Zimbabwe are 37/3 at the end of Powerplay.

Angling in, on leg, Wessly Madhevere tucks it to square leg.

Keeps it on off, back of a length again, Wessly Madhevere hops a bit and blocks it back to the bowler.

Slightly shorter again, on off, Wessly Madhevere punches it to cover.

Back of a length, on leg, Ben Curran tugs it through backward square leg for a single.

FOUR! That's a good looking shot from Ben Curran! Full and straight, Ben Curran latches onto it and drills it past mid off for a boundary.

Change of ends for Taskin Ahmed now.

Short and outside off, Wessly Madhevere leaves it alone.

Nahid Rana strikes. Wessly Madhevere is the new batter.

OUT! TIMBER! That's a ripper from Nahid Rana. He bowls a pinpoint yorker, on middle, Craig Ervine stays back and looks to block it. He fails to get his bat down in time as the ball sneaks beneath his bat and rattles over the stumps. Zimbabwe are 32/3 after 8.5 overs.

Down the leg side, Ben Curran looks to flick it but the ball hits his pads and rolls towards short third. They collect a leg bye.

Fullish, outside off, Craig Ervine guides it through backward point for a single.

Shaping in, on off, Craig Ervine punches it to point.

Slightly shorter, on leg, Craig Ervine blocks it to the on side.

Back of a length, on off, Ben Curran stabs it to the gully fielder.

Bangs it short, on off, Ben Curran sways away from it.

Angling in, on off, Craig Ervine looks to drive it but gets an inside edge as the ball rolls towards fine leg. They cross.

Much fuller, outside off, Craig Ervine drives it through covers for a brace.

Back of a length, on off, Craig Ervine defends it to short cover.

FOUR! That's a nice looking shot from Craig Ervine! Full and outside off, Craig Ervine leans on and cracks a drive through covers for a boundary.

Much fuller, on off, Ben Curran pushes it to the mid off fielder.

Down the leg side, Craig Ervine looks to block it but the ball hits his pads and rolls towards the off side. They collect a quick leg bye.

Angling in, on off, Craig Ervine blocks it to mid off.

Full and straight, Craig Ervine pushes it to the cover fielder. Ben Curran runs for a single but is sent back. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. A direct hit and Ben Curran was a goner as he had given up.

Back of a length, on leg, Ben Curran looks to block it but the ball hits his body and rolls towards the off side. They collect a quick leg bye.

Back of a length, on leg, Ben Curran looks to flick it but the ball brushes his hips and lobs towards the keeper. Dot.

Nahid Rana comes into the attack.

Much fuller, on off, Craig Ervine pushes it to mid off.

Angling in, on off, Craig Ervine stabs it to point.

Tight leave! Length and outside off, shaping in, Craig Ervine reads it well and makes a tight leave.

Beaten! Hard length, just outside off, and it shapes away at the last moment. Craig Ervine looks to block it but misses.

Back of a length, on off, Ben Curran pulls it gently through mid-wicket. The fielder chases as the batters collect three runs.

Full, on leg, Craig Ervine flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Down the ground for four runs! A much-needed boundary for Zimbabwe. Full and on off, Ben Curran picks it well and knocks it firmly through the left of mid off for a boundary.

Hard length, on top of off, Ben Curran punches it to cover.

Wide! Full but down leg, Ben Curran looks to flick it but misses.

Down the leg side, Craig Ervine looks to flick it but the ball hits his pads and rolls fine. They collect a leg bye.

Back of a length, outside off, Craig Ervine shoulders arms at it.

On the stumps, a tad fuller, Craig Ervine blocks it to mid on.

Much fuller, on off, Ben Curran knocks it down to mid off for a single.

Short and wide, Craig Ervine leaves the harmless delivery.

Angling in, on off, Ben Curran pushes it through extra covers for a single.

Did that carry? Yes, it did. Full and outside off, Ben Curran drills it uppishly towards short cover. Towhid Hridoy bends low to take the catch but spills it. That was a difficult one, though.

Another beauty from Shoriful Islam! Slowish and outside off, Ben Curran looks to block it but gets beaten.

Beaten! Hard length, just outside off, shaping away at the last moment. Ben Curran looks to block it but misses.

Fullish but outside off, Ben Curran leaves it through to the keeper.

Wide! Sprays it down the leg side, Ben Curran leaves. Wided.

Another one goes down for Zimbabwe. Craig Ervine walks in to bat now.

OUT! TAKEN! Another wicket for Taskin Ahmed. That's a poor shot selection from Innocent Kaia. Taskin Ahmed goes short and on leg. Innocent Kaia tries to show some intent. He shimmies down the deck and looks to loft it but gets a top edge. The ball lobs high in the air towards mid off. Mehidy Hasan Miraz settles under it and takes a sitter. Zimbabwe are 8/2 after 3 overs.

Slowish, outside off, Innocent Kaia leaves again.

Back of a length, outside off, Innocent Kaia leaves it alone.

Full and on off, Innocent Kaia knocks it down the ground that hits the stumps at the bowler's end. Dot.

FOUR! Beautiful timing and placement! Hard length, just outside off, shaping away. Innocent Kaia rocks onto his backfoot and punches it magnificently through cover for a boundary.

Uppish! Length, outside off, Ben Curran slices it uppishly through the left of point. The fielder chases as the batters collect three runs.

Full and on off, Innocent Kaia blocks it to mid off. Another brilliant over from Bangladesh.

Zimbabwe are finally underway. Back of a length, on leg, Ben Curran tucks it awkwardly towards square leg for a single.

Short and wide, some movement on offer, Ben Curran leaves.

An appeal but nothing from the umpire! Back of a length, just outside off, shaping away. Ben Curran looks to block it but misses. A loud appeal but turned down.

Full and straight, Ben Curran pushes it to point.

Beaten! That just misses the off pole! Back of a length, nipping in, Ben Curran looks to block it but gets beaten all ends up.

A wicket-maiden from Taskin Ahmed. Shoriful Islam to share the attack.

Beaten! A wicket-maiden from Taskin Ahmed. Back of a length, outside off, shaping away. Innocent Kaia looks to block it but misses.

Taskin Ahmed strikes. Innocent Kaia is the new batter.

OUT! TIMBER! That's a beauty from Taskin Ahmed. Excellent setup from him. He bowled the first four balls outside off and this one shapes back in. On a length, on off, and this one nips in sharply. Brian Bennett looks to block it but gets beaten on the inside edge as the ball rattles over the middle pole. Taskin Ahmed with an early breakthrough.

Angling in, slightly shorter in length, Brian Bennett punches it to cover-point. Four dots now.

Slowish, outside off again, Brian Bennett leaves it through towards the keeper.

Back of a length, outside off, Brian Bennett punches it to cover.

Taskin Ahmed starts with a short ball, outside off, Brian Bennett leaves it alone.

We are all set to begin! The sun is shining brightly and the two umpires make their way out to the middle now. Bangladesh players spread out from the huddle and take up the designated fielding spots. Brian Bennett and Ben Curran are the two openers for Zimbabwe. Taskin Ahmed has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

PITCH REPORT - Ed Rainsford is pitchside. He says that there is a little bit of grass covering but it is not heavy as the first game. Adds that there are a few visible cracks that could come into play. Mentions that the surface looks pretty dry as well and batting in the first hour or so could prove to be a challenge. However, he reckons that if the batters apply themselves, there are runs to be scored here.

Head Coach of Zimbabwe - Justin Sammons believes there have been plenty of positives during his tenure, with the Test win in Bangladesh and Zimbabwe's performance in the T20 World Cup standing out as major milestones. Every Test victory is special, but what pleases him most is the growing belief within the squad. The players are becoming increasingly confident in their preparation and approach, and while results matter, he takes greater satisfaction from seeing continuous improvement. He also feels the team has made significant strides in both departments. The bowlers are more consistent with their lengths, trust their strengths and embrace an aggressive mindset, while the batters have grown technically under Dion Ebrahim's guidance, developing a clearer understanding of their game plans. He admits the batting display in the previous ODI was disappointing, feeling the team failed to assess the conditions well enough. With the surface not suited for a 300-run total, he believes a score around 240 could have been enough, but Zimbabwe didn't adapt their plans accordingly. However, he views it as part of the learning process, pointing out that the side hasn't played much ODI cricket recently. As long as they continue learning from their mistakes and avoid repeating them, he is confident they will keep improving. He says the players are the most rewarding part of the job. Their eagerness to learn, improve and embrace challenges, coupled with their outstanding attitude, makes working with the group an immensely enjoyable experience.

Zimbabwe (Unchanged Playing XI) - Ben Curran, Brian Bennett, Innocent Kaia, Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza, Wessly Madhevere, Clive Madande (WK), Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri, Richard Ngarava (C), Blessing Muzarabani.

Bangladesh (Playing XI) - Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Nurul Hasan (WK), Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (C), Mosaddek Hossain, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam (In place of Mustafizur Rahman), Nahid Rana.

The skipper of Zimbabwe - Richard Ngarava says that they will try and keep it simple as they come to bat. He adds that it looks like a good track and hopefully they will put a good total and defend it. He says that they will try and win this game as well and ends by saying that they are going with the same side.

The captain of Bangladesh - Mehidy Hasan Miraz says that they will bowl first. He adds that it is because of the previous game. He says that they did well in the first 10 overs and they need to improve on their batting and need good partnerships. Ends by saying that Mustafizur Rahman is not playing and Shoriful Islam comes in.

TOSS - Richard Ngarava flips the coin and Mehidy Hasan Miraz calls it right. Bangladesh elect to BOWL first.

Expect another spicy contest - The Harare track offered plenty of assistance to the fast bowlers in the first game, and we can expect another competitive deck today. Speedster Nahid Rana will be eager to replicate his historic six-wicket haul, while Zimbabwe's four-pronged pace attack looks ready to steam in once again. Will Zimbabwe hold their nerve to seal a historic series win, or will Bangladesh show their character and fight back to level the series? The players are warming up and the toss is just moments away, so stay tuned!

Bangladesh seeks batting discipline - The visitors will be kicking themselves after failing to chase down a modest target of 142. Seven of their batters fell for single-digit scores, showing a clear lack of application against the moving ball. Bangladesh needs a much more disciplined approach from their batting unit, especially in the early overs where the Zimbabwe seamers thrived. In a major blow to their plans, wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das has been ruled out of the series due to his hamstring injury, meaning Parvez Hossain Emon might get a look-in to provide that much-needed stability.

Zimbabwe needs top order resilience - While the hosts celebrated a gritty win, their premier batters have plenty of homework to do. The dramatic collapse from 36 for no loss to 70 for 8 in the previous game is a massive wake up call. Experienced stars like Sikandar Raza and Craig Ervine will want to forget their low scores and bring stability to the middle order. Zimbabwe cannot always rely on their lower order tail-enders to rescue them, so the specialist batters must step up, adapt to the morning moisture, and stitch together big partnerships today.

Welcome to the capital city of Harare! A massive and warm welcome to cricket fans around the globe. We are in from the historic Harare Sports Club for this crucial second ODI between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh. The hosts are currently riding high on confidence after a sensational and hard-fought victory in the opening game. Captain Richard Ngarava started his leadership stint with a dream win, and now Zimbabwe has a golden opportunity to wrap up the three-match ODI series today. On the other side, Bangladesh is desperate to bounce back, dust themselves off, and force a series decider.

... MATCH DAY ...

Can't believe it - Again? Well, how many times have we used this phrase for Zimbabwe in the last 4-odd months? Be it their stunning win over Australia in the Men's T20 World Cup, followed by a terrific victory over co-hosts Sri Lanka in the same edition, leading to finishing their group stage on top, to their second innings win in Tests in the span of 9 months and now, their 4th lowest total successfully defended in ODIs - boy o boy, the Chevrons are rolling and why not? The Cummins factor - Ermmm... not literally by name, but raise your hand and pat yourself on your back if you EVER predicted Richard Ngarava as the captain of the national side. With due respect, Ngarava is a terrific bowler rising up the ranks, but in the presence of other seniors within the group, credit has to be given to the person who believed in the fast bowler's abilities to lead the side. It is hard to rule out the influence of Aussie captain Pat Cummins in this - no, not personally - but his success for Australia across formats has led other countries to believe that bowlers can become good captains as well. Isn't it too early? A true mathematician, aye? Going by the numbers. Of course, in terms of the stats, it is very, very early. In fact, given the fact that Ngarava has captained only 2 matches - 1 Test and an ODI - it seems very premature to label it as a great decision by the team management to name him as the skipper. But the signs are there which indicate that it could be a great decision for the future. After all, for the first time since 2024, have Zimbabwe won 2 matches in succession against 2 Test-playing nations. That time, it was a T20I against Pakistan, followed by another one against Afghanistan. Favourites? In terms of probability, no. It has just been one match, and the hosts are playing against a side which had not lost a bilateral series from November 2025 till June 2026 - that's 7 in a row across formats. But the main reason behind those wins was the conditions. Bangladesh had been playing at home for a long time, and this is their first bilateral series away from home since October 2025. Hence, given the way the hosts made the tourists sweat to chase down what looked like a very modest target of 142, it does appear as if a series win is on the cards. Adaptability - Before we jump the gun or bring out the knives on Bangladesh, let's understand that it is never easy to play in alien conditions. Bangladesh have been playing at home since October 2025, which includes a horde of bilateral series and even their premier T20 League. If we go even further, before this tour, they had not played any series outside Asia since December 2024! So it is understandable, the familiarity of the conditions at home or even in Asia and now, going to a different continent altogether. But that is the game, isn't it? You cannot be playing just at home, in the same conditions all the time. If Bangladesh need to be taken more seriously, given more series and tours, they need to showcase their adaptability in different conditions. After this tour, they embark on a historic journey Down Under to meet the Aussies. Hence, the remainder of this series becomes even more important for the Asian Tigers. The main issue - Having looked at both the games - the Test and the first ODI, batting seems to be the main problem for the visitors. They have been unable to handle the pace and bounce on the wickets and, accordingly, played some loose shots to hit the pressure away. The bowling, though, seems to have learned from its counterparts, with Nahid Rana blowing the Chevrons away in the second ODI. But even then, the inability to finish things off from a strong position hurt them. Zimbabwe were 70/8 at one stage - but an unlikely 63-run stand for the 9th wicket pegged the visitors back. Even in their home series against Australia, Bangladesh were guilty of failing to capitalize from strong positions. Another bouncy track? Do we expect anything else? Won't blame Zimbabwe if they dish out another track which is similar to the one played in the first ODI. It is no secret that Bangladesh batters are struggling to play against the short ball, but at the same time, thanks to the Bangladesh Premier League, the tourists can proudly say that they have got a decent stock of fast bowlers as well. So they, too, can make use of the conditions on offer, as they did in the first game. All they need is some grit shown by their batters, taking some time to understand the conditions. In fact, on paper, Bangladesh possess batters with better techniques than their opponents in this tour - it is just about application. Team form (Last 5 completed ODIs, recent first) - Zim - WLLWL | Ban - LLWWW. Crucial toss - Normally, in Africa, it is said to always allow your opponent to make the first use of the deck on offer with the bat. Traditionally, in Harare, batting is very difficult early on against the moving ball. However, as the sun beats down on the deck, it gets better to bat on, and hence, chasing is the preferred option here. Even in the previous game, had Bangladesh not capitulated, they would have won chasing, which would have meant that 4 out of the last 5 ODIs here could have gone to the side fielding first. In the first game, overcast conditions did not allow the pitch to get better. On Thursday, though, the forecast is for a sunny day. So chasing should be the preferred option. If batting first, a minimum of 275 is needed to ensure that the batting side is under pressure during the chase.