Mahmudullah Riyad scored his 26th ODI half-century as Bangladesh posted a challenging total of 290 for nine against Zimbabwe in the second ODI at the Harare Sports Club on Tuesday.

Bangladesh had scored 303 in the first match and ended up losing that encounter, but the pitch, used in the first ODI too, is apparently less scoring-friendly as it is a weary one with some assistance for the slower bowlers.

Hence Mahmudullah's innings was an important one as he held the latter part of the innings together with a patient 84-ball 80 not out. It was a strange innings from the veteran batter, who started slowly and continued to score a run every two balls for 60 per cent of his innings. But eventually he shifted gears and launched a few big blows – three fours and three sixes in total – to give his side a chance to draw level in the series.

Earlier, opener Tamim Iqbal departed for a 45-ball 50 as Bangladesh were sent in to bat for the second time in the series.

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.

Anamul Haque and Tamim Iqbal opened the innings. Photo: Zim Cricket

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 batters were dismissed by Wesley Madhevere.

Afif Hossain played a handy knock of run-a-ball 41 as Mahmudullah was warming up to shift gears, which happened soon after Afif departed to an ill-attempted scoop shot.

Sikander Raza, the hero of the first match with the bat, was the most successful bowler for Zimbabwe with three wickets.