aifuddin's record, Rishad's best bowling help Bangladesh level T20 series

Mohammad Saifuddin's explosive batting in the final over and Rishad Hossain's career-best bowling helped Bangladesh defeat Zimbabwe by 34 runs in Bulawayo on Friday, July 17, levelling the three-match T20 series at 1-1.

Bangladesh posted 186 for 5 after being sent in to bat. Openers Tanzid Hasan (58 off 44) and Saif Hasan (55 off 45) laid the foundation with a 120-run opening stand—the second-highest for Bangladesh in T20Is. After their dismissal, Bangladesh lost five quick wickets before Yasir Ali Chowdhury (22 off 12) and Mohammad Saifuddin (31 off 10) added late fireworks. Saifuddin hit four consecutive sixes in the final over, a first for a Bangladesh batter.

Zimbabwe were bowled out for 152 in 19.4 overs in reply. Rishad Hossain took 4 wickets — his best T20I figures — while Sheikh Mehedi Hasan claimed three. Saifuddin and Nahid Rana took one each. Saifuddin was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance.

The victory, however, was marred by an injury to pacer Nahid Rana, who left the field with a side strain before completing his spell.

The third and final T20 will be played on Sunday at the same venue.