Bangladesh have chosen to field after winning the toss in the second match of the three-match One-Day International series against Zimbabwe in Harare, as the visitors look to keep the series alive following defeat in the opening fixture.
The tourists enter Thursday’s match under pressure after a difficult start to the tour. Bangladesh were beaten by an innings and 85 runs in the solitary Test before suffering a 25-run defeat in the first ODI. Their batting has struggled throughout the tour, with the side failing to chase a target of 142 in the series opener.
The result has raised concerns about Bangladesh’s consistency in conditions similar to those expected at the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz has made one change to the Bangladesh side for the second ODI. Left-arm fast bowler Shoriful Islam replaces Mustafizur Rahman as the visitors look to strengthen their bowling attack.
Zimbabwe have retained the same playing XI that secured victory in the opening match, with the hosts aiming to clinch the series with a game to spare.
Bangladesh’s batting line-up will once again rely on Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Towhid Hridoy to provide greater stability after the disappointments of recent matches. Wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan and captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz will also be expected to play key roles with the bat.
The visitors’ pace attack will be led by Taskin Ahmed, alongside Shoriful Islam and Nahid Rana, while Rishad Hossain and Mosaddek Hossain offer additional bowling options.
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, have kept faith with the combination that delivered success in the opening ODI. The hosts will again look to experienced players such as Craig Ervine and Sikandar Raza, supported by Ben Curran, Brian Bennett and Richard Ngarava, who continues to lead the side.
With Bangladesh seeking to avoid another series defeat and Zimbabwe aiming to secure an unassailable lead, the second ODI is expected to play a decisive role in shaping the remainder of the tour.
