Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
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| Image credit: Daily Star Bangladesh |
Just looking at the final result of the 1st ODI, you’d think that Bangladesh did it really easy the whole game. You’d also think that Zimbabwe got relatively close, which was actually never the case, despite being in such a dominant position at the 30 over mark of the Bangladesh innings.
It was a game that ebbed and flowed, headlined by Imrul Kayes’ absolutely superb century, with support from Mohammad Saifuddin, who has given fans hope he can be a good allrounder for Bangladesh. Starting as strong favourites once again, can the Tigers seal the series with a game to play?
To achieve that, more will be expected from the Bangladesh top order that lost wickets in a heap on Sunday. Being reduced to 139/6 won’t win you many ODIs, but an encouraging sign for Bangladesh is that they have been able to string important partnerships together in recent matches dating back to the Asia Cup, and Sunday was no different. With Bangladesh’s attack looking too strong for Zimbabwe in these conditions, can the Tigers put in a performance worthy of their continued rise in this format?
What can we say about Zimbabwe? Yet again they found themselves in a good position on the back of their bowling, and yet again they were unable to drive the advantage home. They have lost 18 matches in a row across formats, and to think they could have easily at least won five or six of them is no understatement. The wheels fell off when pressure was applied in Mirpur, and to keep the series alive here, Zimbabwe need to withstand the challenging moments a lot better than what was on display in the 1st ODI.
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Key to a Bangladesh win
Since the Tri-Series Final loss to Sri Lanka in January, Bangladesh have won nine out of 15 ODIs, including a series win in West Indies and Asia Cup Final appearance in the UAE.
However, the top order has continually failed to fire, which was on show in the Asia Cup, where they were two or three down for not many on numerous occasions. The same was on display against Zimbabwe on Sunday, and with a World Cup campaign not far away, it is something Bangladesh need to address, starting today against the Zimbabweans. Can Bangladesh’s top order ensure wickets in hand are left for the middle order to do their thing, whilst rotating the strike effectively to ensure Zimbabwe don’t build too much pressure?
Also, despite the fast start by Cephas Zhuwao, Bangladesh had Zimbabwe’s run chase by the throat. Mustafizur Rahman highlighted his class by forcing Zimbabwe to try play him out, with Nazmul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz bowling some simply gorgeous deliveries to bamboozle the Zimbabwean batsmen. With Bangladesh’s bowling attack looking in good nick, another consistent performance will be the order of the day against a struggling Zimbabwe line up.
Key to a Zimbabwe win
Zimbabwe coach Lalchand Rajput has claimed that a
“big score is coming soon”, but that is difficult to achieve when even the basics are not being upheld.
Two of Zimbabwe’s most experienced batsmen, Hamilton Mazakadza and Brendan Taylor, highlighted this exact problem in the 1st ODI. Brendan Taylor was bowled as a result of a very soft, angled-bat defensive stroke, and Mazakadza was involved in suicidal running as he was dimissed in the 20s yet again. With plenty of tours of Bangladesh under their belt, Zimbabwe simply have to find ways to keep the scoreboard ticking, whilst not losing wickets in clumps.
Also, if it was a 30-over game on Sunday, Zimbabwe would have won with ease. Reducing Bangladesh to 139/6 was as a result of fine bowling, building the pressure on the opposition batsmen. Led by Kyle Jarvis, can Zimbabwe rip through a fragile Bangladesh top order, and this time finish the job? It is a must to keep the series alive.
Possible XIs
Until the series is won, it is unlikely that Bangladesh will make any changes. Mashrafe Mortaza has
promised to back Fazle Mahmud after his duck on debut, and despite Rubel Hossain now fit, he might not make it back to the side just yet.
Bangladesh possible XI: 1. Liton Das, 2. Imrul Kayes, 3. Fazle Mahmud, 4. Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 5. Mohammad Mithun, 6. Mahmudullah, 7. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 8. Mohammad Saifuddin, 9. Mashrafe Mortaza, 10. Mustafizur Rahman, 11. Nazmul Islam
Tarisai Musakanda could come into the Zimbabwe side, but even he has been struggling with the bat in recent times.
Zimbabwe possible XI: 1. Hamilton Masakadza, 2. Cephas Zhuwao, 3. Craig Ervine, 4. Brendan Taylor (wk), 5. Sikandar Raza, 6. Sean Williams, 7. Peter Moor, 8. Donald Tiripano, 9. Brandon Mavuta, 10. Kyle Jarvis, 11. Tendai Chatara
Dream11
Which batsmen will step up in this clash? Below is my
Dream11, with a few pointers.
- Back Mushfiqur Rahim to go well today, after getting out to rank legside short ball in the first ODI.
- Imrul Kayes is in fine touch, and it will be interesting to see how Liton Das and Hamilton Masakadza go. Both are capable of giving their teams strong starts.
- All three main spinners – Mehidy Hasan, Brandon Mavuta and Nazmul Islam are in my side.
- Mustafizur Rahman and Kyle Jarvis are both bowling very well, and should be considered for your team.
Stats and Facts
- Bangladesh have won all five completed ODIs against Zimbabwe at the Ziaur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong.
- Zimbabwe have lost 18 straight matches across formats since March, and have won just five of 24 ODIs in 2018.
- Imrul Kayes’ 144 was his best ever score in ODIs.
Prediction
Zimbabwe have a chance. There is no doubt about it, but do they believe they can get the job done after yet another defeat?
Their batting doesn’t inspire much confidence, and Bangladesh’s bowlers know how to get the job done at home. Bangladesh to win and seal the series.
Thanks for reading!
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