Bangladesh knocked out Zimbabwe from the ongoing tri-nation T20I series, registering a comfortable 39-run victory against Hamilton Maskadza's side at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram today. Bangladesh will be facing Afghanistan in the final of the tournament at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on September 24.
Bangladesh posted a challenging 175 for seven -- thanks to magnificent 41-ball 62 from Mahmudullah Riyad -- after being asked to bat. Riyad smashed five maximums and a solitary boundary to help the Tigers reach a challenging total.
He was well supported by Mushfiqur Rahim (32 off 26) as the duo strung together an important 78-run fourth-wicket partnership.
After the exchange, Bangladesh cornered Zimbabwe -- removing three of their top order batsmen for just eight runs in 3.1 overs. Zimbabwe culd never really recover from the early slump but a 32-ball 54 from Richmond Mutumbami and another 20-ball 27 from Kyle Jarvis helped Zimbabwe get close to the target.
However it was not enough as Zimbabwe fell short on the day. For Bangladesh, debutant Aminul Islam was the pick of the bowlers, returning impressive figures of two for 18 in his four overs.
