Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe, 1st T20I, Preview – Tigers aim for a clean sweep after clinching the preceding ODI series

Saifuddin, who has scalped a four-wicket haul and a three-wicket haul in his last two matches for Bangladesh, will be steering their bowling force.

Published - 08 Mar 2020, 17:45 IST | Updated - 08 Mar 2020, 17:45 IST

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After a lop-sided ODI series, the bandwagon steers to the T20I series where the Zimbabwe side will be hoping to retaliate from the thumping 3-0 defeat in the One-day Internationals. The only robust show from Zimbabwe in the ODI series was in the second match of the series, where they put up a formidable batting performance and amassed 318 runs on the board.

However, they failed to reach the shore and fell short of the target by 5 runs. A hapless bowling effort in the ODI series will also be a matter of concern for Zimbabwe. The Sean Williams-led side was ineffective in toppling Bangladesh batsmen.

Zimbabwe will be rooting for their batsmen to deliver and leave a mark in the T20I series and topple a relatively stronger Bangladesh. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be aiming to sweep the T20I series too after dominating the ODI series.

The Tigers’ batting force flaunted sublime knock in all three ODIs and clicked the 300-run mark in each match. Bangladesh’s batting expertise was bolstered by the likes of Liton Das and Tamim Iqbal, who shellacked tons against Zimbabwe’s bowling lineup. Tamim Iqbal was adjudged Player of the Series for his consecutive tons in second and third ODIs. Ahead of the much-awaited T20 World Cup 2020, the Tigers’ will be eager to test and shuffle their squad and find the perfect fit.

Team Combination

Bangladesh

The Mahmudullah-led side will be bolstered by prolific batsmen like Tamim Iqbal and Liton Das, who had delivered match-winning performances in the recently-concluded ODI series. Along with the Tamim-Liton duo, skipper Mahmudullah had also delivered impressive cameos in the series.

Moreover, the Bangladesh side will be strengthened by the return of Mushfiqur Rahim. Mushfiqur Rahim paved his way into the side in place of Mohammad Mithun. Saifuddin, who has scalped a four-wicket haul and a three-wicket haul in his last two matches for Bangladesh, will be steering their bowling force along with the likes of Mehidy Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman.

Probable XI: Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das Mohammad Naim/Somya Sarkar, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah (C), Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan, Aminul Islam, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mustafizur Rahman, Shafiul Islam/Al-Amin Hossain

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe will be strengthened by players who have a plethora of experience under their belt. Their batting unit will be steered by the likes of Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine, skipper Sean Williams and all-rounder Sikandar Raza. Furthermore, all eyes will be on Donald Tiripano, who grabbed headlines with his quick-fire 55* knock in the second ODI. He almost took his side to the victory single-handedly by his explosive inning.

Probable XI: Tinashe Kamunhukanwe, Regis Chakabva, Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine, Wesley Madhevere, Sean Williams (c), Sikandar Raza, Richmond Mutumbami (wk), Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Donald Tiripano, Carl Mumba

Focus will be on

Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh)

Bangladesh veteran Tamim Iqbal, who proved his mettle yet again in the ODI series, will be aiming to dazzle in the shorter format too. The left-hander has smashed 310 runs in his last three matches for Bangladesh including brilliant scores of 158 and 128*. In 77 T20Is for the Tigers, Iqbal has amassed 1717 runs including a ton and seven half-centuries. He will be hopeful of providing his side with a robust start.

Donald Tiripano (Zimbabwe)

Despite having the experience of donning the Zimbabwe jersey only in 10 T20Is, Tripiano has the potential to turn the match in his side’s favour at any point of time. The right-hander flaunted his batting expertise too in the second ODI by smashing an explosive half-century along with scalping two wickets. Zimbabwe will be relying on the 31-year-old to provide vital contributions in both the departments.