Tri-series 2018, Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe, 5th ODI - Match Predictions

With Sri Lanka’s playing standards hitting new lows, this is one great opportunity for Bangladesh to register a famous Tri-series victory at home. Without a shadow of a doubt, the Tigers are the favorites to run away with the title and it’d be really surprising if Sri Lanka can pull things back in the mean time.

The other side in the contest, Zimbabwe, has surrendered to Sri Lanka in the previous game. This injected some life into the Lankan Lions and this indeed is a must-win game for them if they wish to qualify for the finals. Both Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe registered just one win each in the campaign and a win for Bangladesh in this game would seal their berth in the final.

Also read CricTracker’s Preview for the game.

Pitch report

In the previous ODI played at this ground between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, the pitch didn’t assist the batsmen much. But the one prior to this game was a high-scoring one. So clearly, the nature of the pitch has been a bit unpredictable, but since the home side will be in action, a flat deck is expected to appear.

Playing Combinations

Bangladesh

Tamim Iqbal at the top has been rock-solid with his approach this series. Accompanying him in the opening department is Anamul Haque, with Shakib Al Hasan coming in at 3. There’s tons of experience in the middle order thanks to the presence of Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Sabbir Rahman, and Nasir Hossain.

Their skipper Mortaza will be leading the lines as far as the bowling department is concerned. Mustafizur Rahman remains to be their X-Factor, with Mohammad Saifuddin and Rubel Hossain being the other fast bowlers. The spin department will be led by Shakib Al Hasan and accompanying him would be Nasir Hossain and Mahmudullah.

Probable XI: Mashrafe Mortaza (C), Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudullah, Rubel Hossain, Nasir Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Anamul Haque, Mustafizur Rahman, Mohammad Saifuddin

Zimbabwe

Hamilton Masakadza registered a decent fifty against Sri Lanka but has failed to deliver ever since. He will join Solomon Mire in the opening department, with Craig Ervine coming in at number 3. Brendan Taylor, Sikandar Raza, Malcolm Waller and Peter Moor will be present in the middle order for the visitors.

Zimbabwe too has a bowler as a skipper in Graeme Cremer. His most invaluable resource is Sikandar Raza, who has been scintillating in every department. Kyle Jarvis, Tendai Chatara, and Blessing Muzarabani did a fantastic job in the game against Sri Lanka and need to fire on all cylinders if they’re expecting a good result.

Probable XI: Hamilton Masakadza, Solomon Mire, Craig Ervine, Brendan Taylor (wk), Sikandar Raza, Malcolm Waller, Peter Moor, Graeme Cremer (C), Kyle Jarvis, Tendai Chatara, Blessing Muzarabani

Here’s what CricTracker predicts for the game

Scenario 1: Bangladesh wins the toss

Toss Prediction: Bangladesh choose to bat first

Score Prediction: 300 – 320

Result Prediction: Bangladesh wins the game by 40-50 runs

Scenario 2: Zimbabwe wins the toss

Toss Prediction: Zimbabwe choose to bat first

Score Prediction: 220 – 240

Result Prediction: Bangladesh wins the game by 7 wickets

Top Performers – Mushfiqur Rahim (Bangladesh) | Hamilton Masakadza (Zimbabwe)

Head to Head

Total Matches Played – 68, Bangladesh won – 40, Zimbabwe won – 28, Tied/No Result – 0

Tri-series 2018 broadcast details

TV- StarSelect 2 & HD

Online- Hotstar

We predict a comprehensive win for the hosts Bangladesh.