Zimbabwe and Bangladesh will meet in the second ODI of the three-match series at the Harare Sports Club on July 9. Zimbabwe hold a 1-0 lead after defending a modest total in the opening match, while Bangladesh will be desperate to bounce back and keep the series alive.
Match Details
Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare
Date: July 9, 2026
Time: 12:45 PM IST, 12:15 PM PST, 7:15 AM GMT
Team Overviews
Zimbabwe produced an outstanding all-round performance in the opening ODI to take the lead in the series. After being restricted to just 141, the hosts responded brilliantly with the ball, dismissing Bangladesh for only 116 to secure a memorable 25-run victory. Their seam attack exploited the conditions superbly, with Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri, and captain Richard Ngarava sharing the wickets to defend one of the lowest totals in recent ODI cricket.
The Chevrons will now look to carry that momentum into the second ODI and clinch the series in front of their home supporters. Their bowling unit has shown excellent discipline and will once again rely on the lively Harare surface to trouble Bangladesh’s batting lineup.
Bangladesh arrive under pressure despite entering the series after a historic ODI triumph over Australia. Their batting completely failed in the opening match as they struggled against Zimbabwe’s pace attack and were bowled out for 116. The visitors will require a much-improved effort from their experienced top and middle order if they are to force a series decider.
One of the few positives for Bangladesh was the exceptional bowling performance of Nahid Rana. The young fast bowler produced a sensational spell of 6 for 21, repeatedly troubling Zimbabwe’s batters with pace and bounce. His performance kept Bangladesh in the contest despite their batting collapse.
Key Players
Innocent Kaia will be a crucial batter for Zimbabwe after showing encouraging form throughout the tour. He impressed with a century during the one-off Test and looked comfortable during his innings of 26 in the first ODI. His ability to handle pace and build partnerships makes him an important player for the hosts.
Captain Richard Ngarava will once again lead Zimbabwe’s pace attack alongside Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans, giving the home side a formidable bowling combination.
For Bangladesh, Nahid Rana remains the biggest threat with the ball after his remarkable six-wicket haul in the series opener. His extra pace and bounce have troubled opposition batters throughout recent months, including during Bangladesh’s successful series against Australia.
Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz will also carry significant responsibility with both bat and ball as Bangladesh attempt to level the series.
Head-to-Head Record
Zimbabwe and Bangladesh have faced each other 82 times in One-Day Internationals.
Matches Played: 82
Zimbabwe Won: 31
Bangladesh Won: 51
No Result: 0
First-ever Fixture: October 11, 1997
Most Recent Fixture: July 6, 2026 (Zimbabwe won)
Bangladesh continue to enjoy the better overall record, but Zimbabwe have gained confidence after their impressive victory in the opening ODI.
Pitch Report
The Harare Sports Club surface has provided considerable assistance for fast bowlers throughout the series. Variable bounce and lateral movement have made batting difficult, particularly during the early overs when the ball is new.
Batters will need patience and solid technique to build an innings, as aggressive stroke play from the outset could prove risky. Fast bowlers who consistently hit the deck are expected to enjoy another productive outing, while spinners may come into play as the match progresses.
A disciplined batting approach and effective use of the new ball are likely to determine the outcome once again.
Probable Playing XIs
Zimbabwe (Captain: Richard Ngarava): Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Innocent Kaia, Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza, Wessly Madhevere, Clive Madande (wk), Brad Evans, Richard Ngarava (c), Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri.
Bangladesh (Captain: Mehidy Hasan Miraz): Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Nurul Hasan (wk), Mosaddek Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana.
Live Streaming and Broadcast
India: FanCode app and website.
Pakistan: Official broadcast details have not been specified in the available match information.
United Kingdom: Official broadcast details have not been specified in the available match information.
Australia: Official broadcast details have not been specified in the available match information.
Global Viewers: FanCode app and website are listed as the official streaming platforms in the available match information, subject to regional availability.
Probable Match Scenarios
If Zimbabwe bat first, they are projected to score between 230 and 250, with a powerplay score of 45 to 65. The hosts will aim to build partnerships before allowing their experienced middle order to accelerate.
If Bangladesh bat first, they are projected to post between 240 and 260, with an expected powerplay score of 45 to 65. Their top order must improve significantly after the disappointing performance in the opening ODI.
The new-ball battle is expected to decide the contest once again. Zimbabwe’s seamers will target Bangladesh’s fragile batting lineup, while Nahid Rana and Taskin Ahmed will attempt to exploit the pace and bounce available at Harare.
Match Prediction
Zimbabwe enter the second ODI with momentum after defending a low total through disciplined fast bowling. Their bowling attack has adapted perfectly to home conditions, while the batting unit will hope for a stronger contribution after managing only 141 in the series opener.
Bangladesh possess enough quality to bounce back, particularly with an experienced batting lineup and the outstanding form of Nahid Rana. However, the visitors must show greater composure against the moving ball if they are to level the series.
Another low-scoring and closely contested encounter is expected at Harare Sports Club. Zimbabwe’s confidence, home conditions, and impressive bowling performance in the first ODI give them a slight advantage, although Bangladesh remain capable of forcing a series decider if their batting responds positively.
