The fourth T20 between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe promises to be entertaining after the African side defeated the hosts in the third T20 by 31 runs. A victory for Zimbabwe on Friday will level the series.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, will want to win the fourth and final match of the T20 series at the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium in Khulna on Friday, as the look to clinch another limited-overs series at home.
Riding on some terrific hitting from Malcom Waller, Zimbabwe posted 187 runs on the scoreboard in the third T20I. Waller's 23-ball-49 turned the wheels of fortune in the visitors' favour on Wednesday. Waller will look to emulate his form in the final T20 of the series and help his side finish all square.
"I think the next game is very important because it now stands at 2-1. We will try to do exactly what we did on Wednesday -- play our best cricket, do the things right and hopefully come out on top and level the series," Waller told reporters ahead of the final T20.
The bowlers bowled really well to restrict the Bangladesh batsmen from hitting boundaries in the middle phase of the second innings. The required run rate was always on the rise and the hosts had to break the shackles in order to achieve the target. Unfortunately, Bangladesh ended up losing the match by 31 runs.
A series win will give the hosts a major boost ahead of the Asia Cup and the ICC World T20 2016. Skipper Mashrafe Mortaza had said earlier he wants to start the new year on a winning note, and on Thursday he reiterated the fact. Mortaza is confident his side can win the final T20 of the series against Zimbabwe.
"I don't think there's extra pressure on us [in the fourth game]. We have played under more pressure in the past. We have to keep planning and look to win," Mortaza told reporters at the pre-match press conference on Thursday.
The wicket has helped the batsmen so far in this venue and is likely to continue doing the same in the final game as well.
Expected lineups: Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Sabbir Rahman, Mahmudullah, Shakib Al Hasan, Mosaddek Hossain, Nurul Hasan (wk), Mashrafe Mortaza (C), Arafat Sunny, Taskin Ahmed, Abu Hider.
Zimbabwe: Hamilton Masakadza, Vusi Sibanda, Chamu Chibhabha, Sean Williams, Malcolm Waller, Sikandar Raza, Elton Chigumbura (C), Richmond Mutumbami (wk), Graeme Cremer, Tendai Chisoro, Taurai Muzarabani.
Where to watch live:
Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe 4th T20 is scheduled for a 3pm local time (2:30 pm IST, 9 am GMT & 11 am Zimbabwe Time) start.
India viewers can watch the game on Neo Prime.
Bangladesh fans can watch the 4th T20 between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe live on Gazi TV. Viewers can also stream the match live on GeoSuper.
Cricket fans in the US can catch the action of Bangladesh and Zimbabwe 4th T20 live on Willow TV, while Willow TV Online will provide the live stream option.
Audience in the Middle East and North Africa can watch Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe 4th T20 live on OSN Sports 4/HD 4, while the match can be streamed live on OSN Play.
Viewers in Zimbabwe can watch the live action of the 4th T20 between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe on Ten Sports.
