After a resounding victory against the Zimbabweans in the first ODI, Bangladesh will look to secure the three-match series as both sides confront in the second ODI at Sylhet International Stadium today (Tuesday). The match is scheduled to begin at 1:00 pm. Tigers were the dominant force in the first match as they prevailed by 169-run margin. Now they will look to emulate the same performance in the second ODI.
Liton Das ran the show in the first match with his brilliant 126-run knock. However, it will be interesting to see whether he features in today’s match or not as during the first match the right-hander was hit on the helmet before retiring hurt in the next over. In absence of Liton, Mohammad Naim is the possible replacement in the opening slot.
With the likes of Mushfiqur Rahim and Tamim Iqbal also in their ranks, Bangladesh will head into this game as the clear favourites although they will be wary of the Zimbabweans. All-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin’s return improves batting depth to the side while his ability to nail the yorkers adds another dimension to the bowling attack. The onus is also on Mustafizur Rahman to provide the early breakthroughs.
Zimbabwe on the other hand, have been outclassed with bat and ball throughout the series. They couldn’t manage the runs Bangladesh got in their only dig from both their innings together in the Test, while in the first ODI, too, they ended with less than half the total Bangladesh racked up.
Zimbabwe haven’t won a bilateral series in Bangladesh since 2001, when they swept the hosts 3-0. With only two matches left, there is no more room for lapses if Zimbabwe are to reverse the series of disappointments that have followed since then.
