Sluggish Mahmudullah gearing up for the launch?

Mahmudullah Riyad and Afif Hossain played contrasting knocks as Bangladesh looked to post a challenging total on the board in the second ODI against Zimbabwe in Harare on Tuesday.

Mahmudullah, the veteran batter, was batting on 27 off 50 deliveries while Afif, the youngster, 35 off 34 as the visitors reached 206 for four after 40 overs.

Mahmudullah's innings so far featured two fours while Afif hit four boundaries. Mahmudullah, though, has the ability to change the momentum with the strokes that he is capable of playing.

Earlier, opener Tamim Iqbal departed for a 45-ball 50 as Bangladesh's progress in the second ODI against Zimbabwe stalled a bit after the first Powerplay.

Skipper Tamim, who scored an 88-ball 62 in the first game, was more aggressive from the start today as he bludgeoned to his 55th ODI half-century off 45 deliveries before falling to a Tanaka Chivanga delivery, holing out to square leg attempting a pull shot.

The team's score was 71 at that stage after 11 overs. His opening partner, Anamul Haque, wasn't as fluent as he laboured to 20 off 25 deliveries before being run out.

The right-handed batsman had backed up too much when Najmul Hossain Shanto's straight drive was deflected to the stumps at the non-striker's end by the bowler.

Mushfiqur Rahim was the third batter to depart, falling for 25 off 31 while Shanto departed next after a 55-ball 38. Both batter were dismissed by Wesley Madhevere.