Shakib Al Hasan produced another superb all-round display to help Bangladesh record a 34-run win over Zimbabwe and tie the two-match Twenty20 international series against their hosts 1-1.Shakib was unlucky to be on the losing side in Saturday’s six-run defeat to Zimbabwe after top-scoring with 65 and taking two for 20 off his four overs, but he ensured there was no repeat in the second T20I as Bangladesh claimed a convincing victory.
The 26-year-old, ranked second in the world among one-day international all-rounders, struck 40 off 28 balls as Bangladesh scored 168 for seven and he then took four for 20 as Zimbabwe were limited to 134 for nine in reply, helping Bangladesh both level the series and earn himself both the player of the match and player of the series awards.
Shakib and opener Tamim Iqbal (43) had laid the foundations for a big Bangladesh total after sharing in a rapid second-wicket stand worth 82 but, like yesterday, the loss of Shakib sparked a collapse and the tourists soon found themselves on 116 for five in the 15th over.
They were able to push on after that though to reach 168 – exactly the same score that Zimbabwe successfully defended yesterday.
In that first T20 match, Bangladesh were well on course for victory before they collapsed from 120 for one to 143 for six, but they were not to be denied today.
Zimbabwe opener Vusi Sibanda and Sikandar Raza both top-scored with 32 in reply but the hosts kept losing wickets at regular intervals as Bangladesh, led by Shakib, finished off a mixed tour on a winning note.
(Source:EuroSports)
