Zimbabwe will face Bangladesh in the second T20I of the three-match series on Friday, July 17, at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The hosts are leading the series 1-0 after registering a convincing 32-run victory in the opening game.
Zimbabwe have enjoyed an impressive home series so far. After winning the ODI series by a 2-1 margin, they carried the same confidence into the T20I leg. Their batters posted a competitive total of 170 for six before the fast-bowling pair of Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava dismantled Bangladesh’s batting lineup.
Bangladesh were dismissed for 138 in 19 overs despite a fighting half-century from Yasir Ali. The visitors have now lost five consecutive matches across formats and need a much stronger batting performance to keep the T20I series alive.
Zimbabwe will look to seal the series with one match remaining, while Bangladesh must win to force a decider. The second T20I should once again provide an interesting contest between Zimbabwe’s pace attack and Bangladesh’s struggling batting order.
ZIM vs BAN 2nd T20I Match Details
| Match Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh, 2nd T20I |
| Series | Bangladesh Tour of Zimbabwe 2026 |
| Date | Friday, July 17, 2026 |
| Time | 4:00 PM IST |
| Venue | Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo |
| Live Streaming | FanCode and CREX |
Also see: ZIM vs BAN Dream11 Prediction Today 2nd T20I
ZIM vs BAN Recent Form
| Team | Last Five Matches |
|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | W, L, L, L, W |
| Bangladesh | L, L, L, L, L |
Zimbabwe have won two of their previous five matches, including the opening T20I of the series. Bangladesh are going through a difficult period and have lost their last five matches.
The visitors need to regain confidence quickly, especially in the batting department. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will enter the contest with better form and home support.
ZIM vs BAN Head-to-Head Record
Bangladesh have generally performed well against Zimbabwe in recent T20I meetings. However, Zimbabwe have won the last two matches between the teams and will be confident after their dominant victory in the series opener.
| Head-to-Head Record | Zimbabwe | Bangladesh |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Matches | 26 | 26 |
| Wins | 18 | 8 |
| No Results | 0 | 0 |
| Last 10 Meetings | 4 | 6 |
| Most Recent Meeting | Zimbabwe won | Bangladesh lost |
Zimbabwe’s current head-to-head advantage has grown after their victory in the first T20I. Bangladesh will have to improve considerably to stop the hosts from extending their lead.
Queens Sports Club Pitch Report
The surface at Queens Sports Club generally provides good bounce and carry. Batters who adjust to the early movement can play their shots freely once they become comfortable at the crease.
Fast bowlers who hit the pitch hard can generate extra bounce, while the new ball may also move during the powerplay. This was clearly visible in the first match, where Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava troubled Bangladesh throughout the innings.
Spinners may get some assistance during the middle overs, but pace bowling has been more successful in recent matches at this venue.
A first-innings total between 160 and 170 should be competitive. Teams batting first have a strong record in Bulawayo, making the toss an important factor.
Queens Sports Club T20 Records
| Venue Record | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 26 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 62% |
| Matches Won Bowling First | 38% |
| Average First-Innings Score | 155 |
| Average Second-Innings Score | 132 |
| Highest Total | 236/5 |
| Lowest Total | 57 all out |
| Highest Successful Chase | 191/5 |
| Lowest Total Defended | 168/5 |
The venue record clearly favours teams batting first. Setting a target and using the new ball under scoreboard pressure could once again be the preferred plan.
Bulawayo Weather Report
The weather in Bulawayo is expected to remain clear and sunny. The temperature should be around eight degrees Celsius, while the humidity could remain close to 87%.
| Weather Details | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Condition | Sunny |
| Temperature | Around 8°C |
| Humidity | 87% |
| Rain Chance | 0% |
There is no rain expected during the match, so fans should get a complete 20-over contest.
Pace vs Spin at Queens Sports Club
Fast bowlers have taken the majority of wickets in recent matches at Queens Sports Club.
| Bowling Type | Wickets | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Pace | 74 | 59% |
| Spin | 52 | 41% |
The statistics favour Zimbabwe’s pace attack. Muzarabani, Ngarava and Brad Evans can once again play an important role, while Nahid Rana and Taskin Ahmed will be Bangladesh’s main wicket-taking options.
ZIM vs BAN Probable Playing XI
| Zimbabwe | Bangladesh |
|---|---|
| Brian Bennett | Saif Hassan |
| Tadiwanashe Marumani | Tanzid Hasan Tamim |
| Dion Myers | Towhid Hridoy (C) |
| Sikandar Raza (C) | Yasir Ali |
| Ryan Burl | Parvez Hossain Emon |
| Clive Madande (WK) | Nurul Hasan (WK) |
| Tashinga Musekiwa | Mahedi Hasan |
| Brad Evans | Mohammad Saifuddin |
| Wellington Masakadza | Nasum Ahmed |
| Richard Ngarava | Taskin Ahmed |
| Blessing Muzarabani | Nahid Rana |
Zimbabwe are unlikely to make major changes after their strong performance in the first T20I. Their batting unit contributed useful runs, while the bowling attack completely controlled the second innings.
Bangladesh could consider changing their batting combination after another disappointing collapse. The visitors need greater stability at the top and more support for Yasir Ali in the middle order.
Zimbabwe Team Preview
Zimbabwe produced a complete team performance in the opening T20I. Their batting lineup did not depend on one major innings, as several players made useful contributions to take the score to 170 for six.
Brian Bennett played an important knock of 40 from 30 balls and provided stability at the top. His ability to rotate the strike allowed the other batters to play more attacking cricket around him.
The major strength of Zimbabwe was their pace bowling. Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava picked up four wickets each and never allowed Bangladesh to build a meaningful partnership.
Sikandar Raza’s team will look to follow the same plan in the second game: build a competitive total, attack with the new ball and use the conditions better than the visitors.
Bangladesh Team Preview
Bangladesh’s batting remains their biggest concern. They lost regular wickets in the first T20I and were unable to recover despite Yasir Ali’s half-century.
The top order needs to survive the opening spell from Muzarabani and Ngarava. Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan and Towhid Hridoy must provide a stronger start if Bangladesh are to post or chase a competitive total.
Nahid Rana was excellent with the ball and picked up four wickets in the opening match. His pace and bounce troubled Zimbabwe’s batters, but he did not receive enough support from the rest of the team.
Bangladesh also need better execution during the death overs. Conceding 170 on a ground where the average first-innings score is around 155 placed their batting unit under immediate pressure.
Key Players to Watch
Brian Bennett
Brian Bennett has become one of Zimbabwe’s most dependable young batters. He scored 40 runs in the opening match and held the innings together when Bangladesh were looking for quick wickets.
His ability to play both pace and spin makes him an important player at the top of the order.
Yasir Ali
Yasir Ali was Bangladesh’s best batter in the first T20I. He scored a fighting half-century while wickets continued to fall at the other end.
Bangladesh will need him to produce another substantial innings, but this time he must receive support from the top and lower middle order.
Blessing Muzarabani
Blessing Muzarabani delivered a match-winning spell in the first game. He took four wickets for only 17 runs in four overs and also bowled a maiden.
His height, pace and bounce make him extremely difficult to face on the Bulawayo surface.
Nahid Rana
Nahid Rana was Bangladesh’s strongest performer with the ball. He picked up four wickets and prevented Zimbabwe from scoring an even bigger total.
His battle against Brian Bennett and Sikandar Raza could be one of the most important contests of the match.
Probable Best Batter: Brian Bennett
Brian Bennett is expected to remain Zimbabwe’s key batter in the second T20I. He showed patience and control during his 40-run innings in the series opener.
Bennett can anchor the innings while aggressive players such as Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl and Tadiwanashe Marumani attack from the other end. Another solid contribution from him could help Zimbabwe post a competitive score.
Probable Best Bowler: Blessing Muzarabani
Blessing Muzarabani is the leading bowler to watch in this contest. He used the bounce and movement perfectly in the first match and consistently troubled Bangladesh’s batters.
If he picks up early wickets again, Bangladesh could find it difficult to build momentum. His opening spell alongside Richard Ngarava may decide the direction of the game.
Important Player Battles
Brian Bennett vs Nahid Rana
Nahid Rana dismissed key Zimbabwe batters in the first match and will once again look to use his pace against Bennett. The Zimbabwe opener must handle the short ball carefully while continuing to score freely.
Towhid Hridoy vs Blessing Muzarabani
Bangladesh captain Towhid Hridoy has to lead from the front after a disappointing opening game. Muzarabani will target him with bounce and movement during the early and middle overs.
Sikandar Raza vs Nasum Ahmed
Sikandar Raza is one of Zimbabwe’s most experienced players, while Nasum Ahmed will look to slow the scoring rate through the middle overs. Their contest could influence Zimbabwe’s final total.
ZIM vs BAN Toss Prediction
Teams batting first have won 62% of the matches at Queens Sports Club. The surface can become slightly slower as the game progresses, while chasing under scoreboard pressure is not always easy.
The captain winning the toss could therefore prefer to bat first and put a competitive total on the board.
Toss Prediction: Team winning the toss to bat first.
Expected Powerplay Scores
| Team | Expected Powerplay Score |
|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | 45–55 |
| Bangladesh | 40–50 |
Zimbabwe have a more settled top order, while Bangladesh may take a cautious approach after losing early wickets in the first T20I.
Predicted First-Innings Scores
| Team Batting First | Expected Score |
|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | 160–175 |
| Bangladesh | 150–165 |
A total above 165 could be difficult to chase if the fast bowlers receive early assistance.
ZIM vs BAN Match Prediction
Zimbabwe enter this contest as the stronger and more confident side. They won the ODI series, dominated the first T20I and have used the home conditions better than Bangladesh.
Their pace attack is currently the biggest difference between the teams. Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava were outstanding in the opening match, while Bangladesh’s top order has struggled to handle pace and bounce throughout the tour.
Bangladesh have enough talent to make a comeback. Nahid Rana is in excellent form, while Yasir Ali showed that runs can be scored with patience. However, the visitors need contributions from several players rather than depending on individual performances.
Zimbabwe’s balanced batting lineup, home advantage and stronger pace attack give them a slight but clear edge in the second T20I.
Winning Probability
| Team | Winning Chance |
|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | 60% |
| Bangladesh | 40% |
Final Verdict
Bangladesh are expected to produce a better performance after their defeat in the opening match. However, their batting problems and poor recent form remain major concerns.
Zimbabwe have greater confidence and possess the bowling attack needed to exploit the Bulawayo conditions. If their batters post a total around 165 or more, they should be able to defend it.
Prediction: Zimbabwe to win the 2nd T20I and seal the three-match series.
FAQ
Who will win the ZIM vs BAN 2nd T20I?
Zimbabwe are predicted to win because of their home advantage, stronger recent form and impressive pace-bowling attack.
Where will the Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh 2nd T20I be played?
The match will be played at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
What time will the ZIM vs BAN 2nd T20I start?
The match will begin at 4:00 PM IST on Friday, July 17, 2026.
What is the pitch report for Queens Sports Club?
The surface offers consistent bounce and some early movement for fast bowlers. Batters can score freely after settling at the crease.
What is a good first-innings score in Bulawayo?
A total between 160 and 170 should be competitive. Scores above 170 can be difficult to chase.
Who is the best batter to watch?
Brian Bennett is the key batter for Zimbabwe, while Yasir Ali will be important for Bangladesh.
Who is the best bowler to watch?
Blessing Muzarabani is the leading bowler to watch after taking four wickets for 17 runs in the first T20I.
Will rain affect the match?
Rain is not expected, with a 0% chance of precipitation forecast for the match.
