Zim vs Ban 3rd T20 Live Toss: Zimbabwe Opts to Bat in Series Decider

BULAWAYO: Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza won the toss and opted to set a target in the final T20 International against Bangladesh, as both teams look to clinch a fiercely contested three-match series. 

With the series deadlocked at 1-1, the decision to bat first marks a definitive tactical shift for the hosts on an impressive, hard Bulawayo track. During the first two encounters, an intriguing trend emerged where the side losing the toss ultimately went on to secure victory by batting first. 

Zimbabwe claimed a 32-run win in the series opener, while Bangladesh bounced back cleanly with a 34-run victory in the second game. Raza highlighted that his side wants to put a commanding total on the board, pressuring the visitors in a high-stakes finale.

Bangladesh skipper Towhid Hridoy noted at the toss that his side was comfortable chasing, confident that their bowling attack could restrict the home team early. However, the Tigers faces a significant structural blow as express pace bowler Nahid Rana was ruled out of the crucial encounter due to a lingering side strain.

The match carries immense stakes for both teams. Zimbabwe is aiming to secure a complete multi-format sweep of the tour, having already thoroughly outplayed Bangladesh to secure a victory in the one-off Test match and a 2-1 triumph in the preceding One-Day International series. 

Meanwhile, a victory today remains the final chance for the visiting Bangladeshi side to salvage silverware and finish an otherwise difficult tour on a positive note. Excellent overhead conditions mean there is zero threat of rain, promising an uninterrupted, explosive series conclusion.

Bangladesh Playing XI for 3rd T20I 

Tanzid Hasan, Saif Hassan, Parvez Hossain Emon (wk), Towhid Hridoy (c), Yasir Ali, Mosaddek Hossain, Abdul Gaffar Saqlain, Mohammad Saifuddin, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed

Zimbabwe Playing XI for 3rd T20I 

Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Milton Shumba, Clive Madande, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani

Watch Zim vs Ban 3rd T20 live on tapmad.