Zim beat Tigers to level T20I series

A commendable batting and bowling display by Zimbabwe saw them beat Bangladesh by 23 runs in the second T20I at the Harare Sports Club today to level the three-match T20I series 1-1. 

After Wessley Madhevere's third T20I fifty inspired the hosts to a decent total of 166 for six, left-arm spinner Wellington Masakadza shone with the ball to bundle out Bangladesh for 143 in 19.5 overs.

Chasing a challenging total, Bangladesh were in a spot of bother when Blessing Muzarabani removed both the openers Mohammad Naim and Soumya Sarkar -- the opening duo that strung together a 102-run stand, the highest T20I opening stand for Bangladesh, in the first T20I -- in the third over.  While Naim (5 off 8) chopped one onto his stumps, Soumya (8 off 7) slashed one straight to Sikandar Raza at cover while trying to hit Muzarabani for a boundary.  

The Tigers' troubles compounded when Shakib came down the track, looking to clear the inner circle off the bowling of Wellington Masakadza, but was only able to give Raza another catch -- a much simpler one this time -- at cover. That wicket saw an end to a growing partnership between Shakib and Mahedi Hasan as Bangladesh were left reeling at three for 45 after 6.4 overs. 

With the required rate going past 10 an over, Masakadza dented Tigers' hopes further when he removed Bangladesh skipper Mahmudullah Riyad and Mahedi in the same over. Both Mahmudullah and Mahedi were caught in the outfield while trying to hit the left-arm spinner for maximums in the ninth over. 
Masakdza ended with impressive figures of three for 20 in his four overs.

Debutant Shamim Hossain's destructive batting in the middle was the only highlight in an otherwise lacklustre batting display by the Tigers. The 20-year-old all-rounder, who has gained the reputation of scoring quick runs at the age-level and domestic circuit, made a statement with his 13-ball 29. 

But unfortunately, Shamim's blistering cameo that included three boundaries and two maximums could not save the Tigers as they eventually crumbled under the mounting pressure of the increasing required rate.  

Earlier, Madhevere's 57-ball 73 -- his career best T20I score -- and Burl's quick-fire unbeaten 19-ball 34 at the death saw the hosts finish strong after having struggled with the scoring rate in the middle. 

Madhevere stitched partnerships of 57 and 23 with Dion Myers and Sikandar Raza for the third and fourth wicket respectively before falling in the 18th over to pacer Shoriful Islam after a brilliant knock that featured five fours and three maximums.