<div style="text-align: justify; "><span style="font-size: 1rem;"><b>After two narrow victories, Bangladesh faltered in the final match of the five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, suffering an eight-wicket defeat in Mirpur today.</b></span><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Hosts’ narrow wins in the previous two matches of the series hinted at underlying vulnerabilities in their performance. An inevitable defeat finally materialised in the final match, which was also their last home game before the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Instead of boosting the confidence of Bangladesh, this big win by 4-1 left many things to ponder for Bangladesh.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Batting first after losing the toss, Bangladesh struggled to establish a solid foundation in this first-ever morning T20I match on home soil. The decision to play in the morning was inspired by the upcoming World Cup, where Bangladesh will have to play several day matches.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Losing three wickets for just 15 runs, Bangladesh was on the brink of collapse.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mahmudullah Riyad then paired up for a crucial 69-run partnership, rescuing the innings and guiding the total to a respectable 157.&nbsp; Mahmudullah top-scored with a 44-ball 54, while Shanto contributed 36 runs off 28 balls. Shakib Al Hasan and Jaker Ali added useful contributions of 21 and 24 runs respectively.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Blessing Muzarabani and Brian Bennett were the pick of the Zimbabwean bowlers, each claiming two wickets.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; ">bnbd/fas</div>