T20I Tri-series 2019, Match 1, Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details

The first game of the Bangladesh Tri-series:- a tournament involving Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Zimbabwe- will see the hosts lock horns against the African nation at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium on Friday, September 13th.

The match will kick off at 06:00 PM IST and will be telecasted live on Star Sports Select 2 HD in India while the live streaming will be available on Hotstar.

Match Preview

The kickoff of a new tournament always gives teams an opportunity to start afresh. It also gives them a chance to reflect on the errors they have made in the past and come out as an improved unit.

Both sides- Bangladesh and Zimbabwe– haven’t had the best of times in the past month or so. Zimbabwean cricket has been marred with their inner political turmoil, one that eventually led to the suspension of their full-member status. The hosts, on the other hand, successfully landed to earth following a chastening loss to the Afghans in the recently concluded Test match, following a great World Cup campaign.

And, there are objectives for these two sides to achieve in this series. Bangladesh will look to shrug off what was a disappointing (224-run defeat) Test match and build towards re-building their side for next year’s T20 World Cup. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, will look to put aside their recent poor run-of-form, having lost 12 of their 14 completed T20Is.

Weather Report

According to the weather report, Dhaka is expected to have a plethora of rain during the course of the entire week. So, there is a strong chance that the first T20I might turn out to be a rain-affected encounter with heavy downpour accompanied by thunderstorms making guest appearances in between.

Pitch Report

The pitch at the Shere Bangla has traditionally assisted the spinners but there are runs to be had too. While the average score at this venue in 39 completed T20Is has been 150, the last seven matches have seen batting units rack up totals in excess of 170 six times; the highest being 4-211 which the hosts racked up against the Windies last year.

Average First Innings score: 170 (Last 5 T20Is)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 3, Lost -2

Team News:

(Will be added when there is an update)

Probable Playing XIs-

Bangladesh

Soumya Sarkar, Liton Das, Shakib Al Hasan (C), Mushfiqur Rahim, Afif Hossain, Mahmudullah, Sabbir Rahman, Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mustafizur Rahman, Taijul Islam.

Bench – Yeasin Arafat, Mahedi Hasan

Zimbabwe

Hamilton Masakadza (C), Brendan Taylor (wk), Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, Timycen Maruma, Ryan Burl, Tinotenda Mutumbodzi, Tony Munyonga, Kyle Jarvis, Tendai Chatara, Neville Madziva.

Bench – Regis Chakabva, Christopher Mpofu, Richmond Mutumbami, Ainsley Ndlovu

Top Picks

Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim were the lynchpins of the Bangla batting unit during the World Cup. They will once again be the key for the hosts with the bat, while the onus will be on the likes of Sarkar and Das, to give their side a blistering start. Mahmdullah could be a great pick as an all-rounder or as vice-captain, considering his record at the venue (average of 57.85 with bat and 12 wickets with ball).

As far as the Zimbabweans are concerned, the onus will be on the experienced shoulders of Taylor, Masakadza and Craig Ervine. Both Taylor (57) and Masakadza (34) looked in great touch during the practice game while Ervine is coming off back-to-back half-centuries against Ireland in the recently concluded series.

In the bowling department, Shakib (23 wickets at Dhaka) and Mustafizur Rahman will be crucial for the hosts while the visitors will bank on the likes of Willaims, Jarvis and Tendai Chatara.

Captain/Vice-Captain Selection

Captain Options: Shakib Al Hasan, Brendon Taylor, Mushfiqur Rahim

Vice-Captain Selection: Craig Ervine, Hamilton Masakadza, Mahmudullah

Suggested Playing XI for Head to Head/Small Leagues-

Wicket-keeper– Mushfiqur Rahim

Batsman– Hamilton Masakadza (VC), Craig Ervine, Mahmudullah, Sabbir Rahman, Soumya Sarkar

All-rounder- R Burl, Shakib Al Hasan (C)

Bowlers– Tendai Chatara, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mustafizur Rahman

Suggested Playing XI for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues-

Wicket-keeper- Brendon Taylor

Batsman– Hamilton Masakadza, Soumya Sarkar, Afif Hossain, Mahmudullah

All-rounders- Sean Williams (VC), R Burl, Shakib Al Hasan (C)

Bowlers- Kyle Jarvis, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mustafizur Rahman

Expert Advice

With all-rounders contributing in both the facets of play, it would be advisable to pick likes of Shakib and Sean Williams as the captain/vice-captain of your team.

Probable winners

Considering Bangladesh’s home record and Zimbabwe’s recent fortunes (12 defeats in the last 14 games), one should expect the home side to come out victorious. However, expect a strong fight from Taylor & co.

*Disclaimer: These picks were made based on the understanding, analysis and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.