Bangladesh start T20 series with defeat in Zimbabwe

Bangladesh's batting woes continued on their Zimbabwe tour as they lost the first T20I by 32 runs in Bulawayo on Wednesday, July 15. Chasing a target of 171 runs, the Tigers were bowled out for 138 in 19 overs, giving Zimbabwe a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bowl first. Zimbabwe got off to a flying start, racing to 36 runs in three overs before Nahid Rana's impressive bowling put the hosts under pressure. Nahid took 4 wickets for 26 runs in his four overs but conceded 18 runs in the final over, allowing Zimbabwe to reach 170 for 6. Brian Bennett scored 44, Ryan Burl remained unbeaten on 30, and Brad Evans made an unbeaten 19 off 10 balls.

Chasing 171, Bangladesh lost openers Saif Hasan (12) and Tanzid Hasan (16) early. Parvez Hossain Emon (5), captain Towhid Hridoy (14) and Nurul Hasan Sohan (3) also failed to deliver. Yasir Ali Rabbi, returning to the national team after three years, fought a lone battle with his maiden T20I half-century—54 off 38 balls. He shared a 52-run stand with Sheikh Mehedi Hasan to revive hopes of a comeback. However, Richard Ngarava struck twice in one over to dismiss Yasir and Mohammad Saifuddin, sealing the victory for Zimbabwe.