Last Updated on 3 hours ago by Charbel Coorey
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After Zimbabwe’s success in the one-off Test and three-match ODI series, attention moves to the T20Is. The two teams know each other well in the format, meeting 25 times previously with Bangladesh winning 17.
So, Zimbabwe have a score to settle in what has been a promising year. They qualified to the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup, holding their own really well throughout the campaign. This will be their first T20I since the tournament, and they will be looking to hit the ground running in Bulawayo.
For Bangladesh, the tour has been a disappointment to date, with victory in the dead-rubber ODI their only success to date. They are also fresh off a 3-0 defeat at home against Australia, so this is an opportunity for improvement.
In this article, we will look at the possible XIs, stats and matchups, and fantasy cricket tips for the first T20I between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh.
ZIM vs BAN 1st T20 2026 Possible Playing XIs: Mustafizur Rahman unavailable due to injury
Ben Curran and Brian Bennett could open the batting for Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe: 1. Brian Bennett, 2. Ben Curran, 3. Dion Myers, 4. Sikandar Raza (c), 5. Ryan Burl, 6. Clive Mandade/Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), 7. Tashinga Musekiwa, 8. Brad Evans, 9. Wellington Masakadza/Newman Nyamhuri, 10. Blessing Muzarabani, 11. Richard Ngarava
Mosaddek Hossain is in the squad and could feature in the Bangladesh XI. Mustafizur Rahman is out due to knee and hamstring injuries, as per cricinfo.
Bangladesh: 1. Tanzid Hasan, 2. Saif Hassan, 3. Parvez Hossain Emon (wk), 4. Towhid Hridoy (c), 5. Nurul Hasan, 6. Mossadek Hossain, 7. Mahedi Hasan, 8. Rishad Hossain, 9. Shoriful Islam, 10. Taskin Ahmed, 11. Nahid Rana
Queens Sports Club Bulawayo Pitch Report and Weather: Ground to host its first T20I since September 2025
Zimbabwe and Namibia played three T20Is at Bulawayo in September 2025. The average first innings score was 194, with the team batting first winning twice.
In the past five years, teams batting first have won 57.1% of T20Is at Queens Sports Club (20 wins). In this period, spinners are more economical, with seamers going at close to eight an over compared to under seven an over for finger spinners.
A clear and pleasant afternoon (top of 24 degrees) is forecast in Bulawayo for this match.
Fantasy Cricket Tips for ZIM vs BAN 1st T20 2026: Sikandar Raza top captain choice?
Top wicket-keeper picks:
- Parvez Hossain Emon batted in the top four in the T20Is against Australia. His higher batting position makes him the best keeper pick for this match unless Tadiwanashe Marumani opens or bats at three for Zimbabwe.
Key batter picks:
- Tanzid Hasan scored the most runs in the ODI series (159) with two fifties.
- Brian Bennett had a T20 World Cup to remember, hitting 292 runs at an average of 146 and strike rate of 134.56. Overall in T20Is, Bennett has scored 1,888 runs at an average of 36.30 and strike rate of 143.68. SPODA AI rates him as a 43.10% chance of making a 30+ score.
- Towhid Hridoy hit the most runs for Bangladesh in their recent T20I series against Australia (104) at an average of 52.00 and strike rate of 133.33. The captain also has a good record against Zimbabwe: 5 matches, 140 runs, avg. 46.66, SR 147.36.
Top all-rounder picks:
- Sikandar Raza is the top captaincy option for Dream11. He is a crucial batter and will target the Bangladesh left-handers in particular with his spin. He has the most T20I runs at Bulawayo (523, avg. 30.76, SR 140.22) and the most wickets (18, avg. 16.94, econ. 6.22).
Key bowler picks:
- Brad Evans is a genuine wicket-taker and can hit a long ball down the order. He has taken 40 wickets in his last 23 T20Is.
- Blessing Muzarabani has 13 wickets in nine T20Is against Bangladesh, conceding just 5.90 per over.
- Taskin Ahmed has similarly good numbers against Zimbabwe with 12 wickets at an economy of 6.52.
- Nahid Rana will test Zimbabwe with his pace. He took seven wickets in two matches in the recent ODI series between the teams. SPODA AI rates Rana as a 50% probability of taking 2+ wickets.
Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams
- Rishad Hossain
- Mosaddek Hossain or Mahedi Hasan
- Richard Ngarava
- Ryan Burl
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Other Stats and Matchups
- Head-to-head: Matches 25, Zimbabwe 8, Bangladesh 17.
- Both teams have won four matches against each other in T20Is in Zimbabwe.
- Blessing Muzarabani vs. Tanzid Hasan in T20Is: 34 balls, 36 runs, one wicket.
- Sikandar Raza vs. Towhid Hridoy in T20Is: 22 balls, 29 runs, one wicket.
- Taskin Ahmed vs. Brian Bennett in T20Is: 14 balls, 11 runs, one wicket.
ZIM vs BAN 1st T20 2026 Dream11 Prediction Today
Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.
*Taskin Ahmed is not yet included in Dream11 for this match as of 14th July.
Option 1:
Option 2:
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Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes for Dream11 free contests in line with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The stats and writer’s views are in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.
All statistics and matchups in this article have been verified by ESPNcricinfo, and Cricmetric.
