Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe, 1st ODI Preview: Back at home, Tigers look to get underway with World Cup preparations

Bangladesh are all set to host Zimbabwe for a 3-match ODI series which will incidentally be the sixteenth bilateral ODI series played between the two countries. The first one-dayer of the series is slated to be played on October 21 at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

The Tigers will certainly be disappointed for not having been able to clinch the coveted Asia Cup title in a thrilling final against India. Despite playing with a depleted side, they took the match down to the wire, making Rohit Sharma’s side sweat for every run during the chase. Having challenged India, Bangladesh will come into the Zimbabwe series brimming with confidence.

On the other hand, Zimbabwe are going through a terrible run in ODIs of late. Pakistan thrashed them 5-0 at home earlier this year. Not too long ago, they suffered yet another whitewash at the hands of South Africa. Overall, they have lost 17 out of 23 games played in 2018.

Playing combinations

Bangladesh

Despite the absence of the star-studded duo of Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan, the Bangladesh team will be pleased with their performance in the Asia Cup. Various members from the squad stepped up to the plate when given an opportunity. Tamim’s are big shoes to fill, but the way Liton Das opened the innings in the final would allow skipper Mashrafe Mortaza to breathe a sigh of relief. The centurion of that all-important final is likely to have Nazmul Hossain Shanto as his opening partner.

Mushfiqur Rahim will have the responsibility to anchor the innings during the middle-overs, which he’s done time and again. With him as the pillar in the middle-order, Mohammad Mithun, Mahmudullah and Imrul Kayes will play supporting roles around the keeper-batsman.

The bowling department will be managed by the pace trio of Mashrafe Mortaza, Mustafizur Rahman and Rubel Hossain. Rubel, in particular, was outstanding in the Asia Cup final, finishing with figures of 2 for 26 off his 10 overs. Meanwhile, Mehidy Hasan and Nazmul Islam are likely to take care of spin.

Probable XI: Liton Das, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Imrul Kayes, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Mithun, Mahmudullah, Mashrafe Mortaza (C), Mehidy Hasan, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Nazmul Islam

Zimbabwe

Captain Hamilton Masakadza and Soloman Mire opened the innings for Zimbabwe against South Africa and are likely to continue at the top of the order against Bangladesh. The middle-order will probably consist of Craig Ervine, Brendan Taylor and Sean Williams.

Though the trio failed to impress against the Proteas, Bangladesh would be well aware of Zimbabwe’s abilities. A big boost for the visitors will be Sikandar Raza’s return to the squad.

Tendai Chatara was outstanding against South Africa in the previous series and will do well to come up with a performance of the same intensity against the Bangla Tigers. Donald Tiripano and Brandon Mavuta will also be making it to the playing XI following their impressive spells in the last series.

Probable XI: Hamilton Masakadza (C), Soloman Mire, Craig Ervine, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Peter Moor, Elton Chigumbura, Donald Tiripano, Brandon Mavuta, Tendai Chatara

Focus will be on

Liton Das (Bangladesh)

The right-hander might have had an uneventful start to his international career, but the Bangladeshi opener dispelled all criticism with a spectacular hundred against India in the final of the Asia Cup. He’s now proved himself as a capable replacement for their talisman Tamim Iqbal and will look to maintain his good run with the bat come the 1st ODI.

Tendai Chatara (Zimbabwe)

Chatara is a tall fast bowler with appreciable pace, who possesses the ability to move the ball away from the right-hander. As many of the Zimbabwe bowlers have fizzled out due to injury, the 28-year old has responsibly taken over as the team’s senior bowler. He was on fire against the mighty South Africans, finishing the 3-match series with 6 wickets against his name.

Although this is likely to be a one-sided series, Zimbabwe have often proved to be an underrated side who can overhaul the best of oppositions.

Broadcast Details

TV – Star

Match Timing – 14:00 IST; 14:30 Local time

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