Saifuddin credits better adaptation as Bangladesh level T20I series

Bangladesh all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin said on Friday that the team is determined to finish the Zimbabwe tour on a high by winning the T20I series.

Having already lost the Test and ODI series, Bangladesh kept their hopes alive in the T20Is by levelling the three-match series with a 34-run victory over Zimbabwe in the second game at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo.

"We've been playing really well at home over the last couple of months, but we've struggled at times away from home because of the different conditions," Player of the Match Saifuddin told reporters.

"We came here five or seven days before the series and started our practice, so it was tough for us to adjust. During the last couple of days we had lots of discussion among the batters and bowlers on how we can handle the weather and wicket.

"So we had a lot of talking in the meeting and our team dinner, and everything we planned worked in today's match. We won the game and now we are eyeing to win the series," he said.

Saifuddin added that they had also discussed ground dimensions and bowling strategies.

"You know the wicket was almost similar to the first T20, but one side is 70 metres and the other side is almost 64. So we had a lot of discussions about bowling on the bigger side and the smaller side, and I think we have done well."

Meanwhile, Bangladesh pace sensation Nahid Rana sustained a side strain during the second game. The 23-year-old fast bowler, who had a career-best T20I performance in the series opener, left the field after bowling 2.3 overs, finishing with figures of 1-15.

"Nahid Rana complained about left side strain, so we did not allow him to bowl. We will observe him tomorrow and decide whether we will do a scan and how many days it will take for him to return to sports," Bangladesh team physio Bayjedul Islam Khan said.

Bangladesh team management are waiting for updates on Rana's participation in the series decider.