Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
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| Image credit: ESPN |
For the 24th time since 2010, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe will lock horns in an ODI contest. Both these sides know each other very well, having played more matches against each other (69) than anyone else, and bragging rights are up for grabs here.
Is it too easy to assume Bangladesh will be too good, or can Zimbabwe spring a welcome surprise?
Bangladesh are somewhat battered and bruised. Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan – the two stalwarts of Bangladesh Cricket, are missing through injury, and the likes of Mashrafe Mortaza, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah have been nursing injuries. While Bangladesh’s stocks continue to rise in the ODI format, it is a fantastic opportunity for some fringe players to put their hand up and contribute well in an ODI series that will be a disastrous one to lose. Following a near-miss in the Asia Cup Final against India recently, Bangladesh will be keen to continue their promising run of results in ODIs.
Zimbabwe, on the other hand, have suffered in a very grim 2018. A run of 17 straight defeats across formats since the heartbreaking exit at the World Cup Qualifiers renders Zimbabwe desperate for even the slightest taste of success. The absence of their chief destroyer, Shakib Al Hasan (71 wickets at 21.10 v Zimbabwe) will be of welcome relief, but Imran Tahir’s absence in the recent T20Is in South Africa suggests that Zimbabwe’s issues are not down to one player in the opposition. With a well-rounded Bangladesh attack to contend with, can Zimbabwe put on a competitive showing and trouble the hosts?
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Key to a Bangladesh win
In the past, it was spin-to-win for Bangladesh against Zimbabwe at home, with the left-arm spin duo of Abdur Razzak and Shakib Al Hasan enjoying plenty of success. Taijul Islam also took a
hat-trick on ODI debut against the same opposition in 2014. However, Bangladesh’s pace bowling progress in ODIs has been encouraging, and can now target the visitors on a number of different fronts.
The men in red failed to bat their 50 overs in all three ODIs in South Africa recently, and against a seam attack that has proven to thrive even in Bangladeshi conditions, a huge opportunity awaits Bangladesh with the ball. But, can Bangladesh display the same intensity and fight they put on against India in the recent Asia Cup Final? Will they be as attentive to every detail?
Also, the absence of Tamim and Shakib means other players must stand up. Liton Das played perhaps a career defining knock in the Asia Cup Final, and a close eye will be kept on the likes of Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Imrul Kayes and Mohammad Mithun in providing adequate support to Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah.
Key to a Zimbabwe win
Bangladesh’s batting can have the odd off-day, but Zimbabwe must clean up their own efforts. A series in South Africa then in Bangladesh is almost one extreme to another, but the need of the hour remains the same.
In South Africa, Zimbabwe failed to rotate strike, and always lost wickets at regular intervals. In Mashrafe Mortaza, Mustafizur Rahman, Rubel Hossain (if fit) and Mehidy Hasan, Bangladesh have an attack that can both build pressure and take wickets, so the key for Zimbabwe is building partnerships and keeping the scoreboard moving. In warm, humid conditions, that will be a challenge, but this side has plenty of experience in Bangladesh, and need to put on a good showing here.
Also, in their last ODI in Bangladesh earlier this year, Zimbabwe caused Bangladesh’s batsmen a few headaches. Can Zimbabwe cause Bangladesh a dose of Asia Cup Deja Vu with early wickets? Will they be able to make sure all the pressure lies on Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah to score runs? An interesting battle awaits.
Possible XIs
Rubel Hossain has reportedly been suffering from fever, which puts him in doubt. If he doesn’t play, Abu Hider or Mohammad Saifuddin could get a run.
Bangladesh possible XI: 1. Liton Das, 2. Nazmul Hossain Shanto, 3. Imrul Kayes, 4. Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 5. Mohammad Mithun, 6. Mahmdullah, 7. Fazle Mahmud, 8. Mehidy Hasan, 9. Mashrafe Mortaza (c), 10. Rubel Hossain, 11. Mustafizur Rahman
The return of Sikandar Raza will be of relief to Zimbabwe, but the onus is on a batting line up that couldn’t get going in South Africa. On the bowling front, Zimbabwe showed encouraging signs in recent weeks, and will be hoping for the same.
Zimbabwe possible XI: 1. Hamilton Mazakadza (c), 2. Solomon Mire, 3. Craig Ervine, 4. Brendan Taylor (wk), 5. Sean Williams, 6. Sikandar Raza, 7. Elton Chigumbura, 8. Wellington Mazakadza, 9. Brandon Mavuta, 10. Kyle Jarvis, 11. Tendai Chatara
- Mushfiqur Rahim usually starts series off well, and he starts as my captain.
- Bowlers could have a bigger say in this one with both batting line ups a touch fragile.
- Mustafizur Rahman has had a good time v Zimbabwe in the past, and he’s my vice captain.
Stats and Facts
- Bangladesh have won the last 13 completed ODIs against Zimbabwe in Bangladesh. Zimbabwe’s last win came in 2010.
- Zimbabwe have lost 17 straight matches across formats.
- Brendan Taylor has the most runs by anyone against Bangladesh (1,222 runs in 46 innings). Mushfiqur Rahim is the only Bangladesh player playing today with 1,000+ runs v Zimbabwe.
Prediction
Bangladesh are missing key players, with others having fitness concerns. However, at home, they should be too good for Zimbabwe.
Bangladesh to win.
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