An all-round performance by Sabbir Rahman gave Bangladesh their second T20I win of the four-match T20I series in Khulna on Sunday. The Bangladeshi all-rounder was the best performer with both bat and ball as the hosts beat Zimbabwe by 42 runs.
Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat. Again, the openers Tamim Iqbal and Soumya Sarkar got their team off to a good start putting in a 45-run partnership for the first wicket. Iqbal was the first man to be dismissed as Taurai Muzarabani picked up his wicket.
Soumya Sarkar played a handy knock of 43 from 33 balls to help maintain the run rate. Sabbir Rahman continued playing well as he stayed until the end of the Bangladesh innings on an unbeaten 43 off 30 balls, hitting one four and three sixes.
Mushiqur Rahim, who was looking good having scored 24 off 20 balls, had to leave the field retired hurt after suffering cramps. Shakib Al-Hasan came in and scored an unbeaten 27 off 17 balls to help his side to a good total of 167 in 20 overs.
Muzarabani, Wellington Masakadza and Graeme Cremer picked up one wicket each for the visitors.
In reply, Zimbabwe fell short of the target by 42 runs as only three of their batsmen reached double figures.
Openers, Vusi Sibanda and Hamilton Masakadza were involved in a 50-run partnership for the first wicket. However, the Zimbabwean middle-order failed to build on the start as they lost wickets at regular intervals.
Masakadza, who was stand-in captain in the absence of Elton Chigumbura, top-scored for the visitors with a score of 30.
Sabbir Rahman was the pick of the bowlers as he picked up three wickets for just 11 runs in 2.3 overs. Mustafizur Rahman continued his good form as he picked up two wickets and conceded less than five an over.
Sabbir was named as man-of-the-match for his excellent all-round performance. The home side will be looking to win the next two games in the series – to be played on January 20 and January 22.
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