Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe, 1st ODI, Preview – Tigers start their glory-run to bid captain Mashrafe Mortaza goodbye

‘Prior to Bangladesh’s home campaign against Zimbabwe, there was a lot of commotion surrounding Mashrafe Mortaza’s future in national colours. The 36-year-old from Jessore hasn’t played a single game for the Tigers since the 2019 World Cup and was last seen, captaining the Dhaka Platoon in the 2019-20 Bangabandhu BPL. He has made his comeback for the upcoming three-match ODI series.

But as per Nazmul Hasan Papon, the BCB chief, it will be Mashrafe’s final assignment as the Bangladesh skipper. The first ODI is scheduled to be played on Sunday, March 1 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. The hosts are high on confidence after their innings-win in the Test. Moreover, since December 2010, Zimbabwe have never beaten the Tigers on the latter’s backyard.

In fact, the Tigers are on a 16-match winning streak against their opponent at home. Zimbabwe’s ODI form in 2019 wasn’t all that great either. They lost five matches in a row against the Netherlands and Ireland. The conditions during the first ODI doesn’t have rain predictions. The ambiance will cool down with the progression of the game. Dew is likely to play a part, especially in the second half.

Team Combination

Bangladesh

Tamim Iqbal and Liton Das should be opening batting for the Tigers. Najmul Hossain Shanto has been impressive of late and he might get the nod for the number three position. There’s Mushfiqur, who has the ability to succeed in adverse conditions. A lot will depend on Mahmudullah Riyad as well.

One of Afif Hossain and Mehidy Hasan may get a go, bearing in mind their all-round abilities. Mohammad Saifuddin and Mustafizur Rahman have been in and out of the team for quite some time, and they will look to make an impact. Mashrafe’s performances as a bowler also remains to be seen.

Probable XI

Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das (wk), Mohammad Naim/Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Afif Hossain/Mehidy Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mashrafe Mortaza (C), Taijul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Shafiul Islam

Zimbabwe

The visitors may continue with Tinashe Kamunhukamwe as an opening option after he impressed on his debut series last year. Skipper Chamu Chibhabha should be the other opener. Craig Ervine is coming off a stupendous century in Mirpur and he will play a key role without a shred of a doubt.

Apart from Ervine, the middle-order has firepower, most importantly experience. On their day, the likes of Taylor, Williams and Raza can demolish oppositions. Raza and Williams will also be needed with the ball. The nature of the strip may also tempt Zimbabwe to field two specialist spinners.

Probable XI

Chamu Chibhabha (C), Tinashe Kamunhukamwe/Richmond Mutumbami, Craig Ervine, Brendan Taylor (wk), Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Donald Tiripano, Chris Mpofu, Ainsley Ndlovu, Wesley Madhevere

Focus will be on

Mashrafe Mortaza (Bangladesh)

Mashrafe Mortaza had a horrendous campaign in the World Cup. There he got only Jonny Bairstow’s wicket in eight games at an average of 361. Then in the BPL, the veteran managed only eight wickets from 13 contests. On most instances, he didn’t complete his quota. To rub salt into wounds, injuries kept marring his journey. He will be in for a stern task after staying away from Tigers’ cricket for eight months.

Brendan Taylor (Zimbabwe)

Brendan Taylor is Zimbabwe’s most experienced player and the team would be looking up to him for some useful hands. His numbers in Bangladesh aren’t that bad. In 28 ODIs, the 34-year-old Taylor has one ton and five half-centuries with a top score of 118* in 2009. In fact, he scored a couple of 75s in his last two ODIs in the country. It goes without saying that he needs to be on top of his game.

Head to Head

Played-72, Bangladesh won- 44, Zimbabwe won- 28, N/R- 0

Stat Attack

10– Runs Mushfiqur Rahim needs for 9,000 List A runs.

Broadcast Details

TV – No Live Telecast

Online– Hotstar

Match Timings – 12:30 IST; 13:00 local; 07:00 GMT