Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
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| Image credit: Daily Star Bangladesh |
Is anyone surprised? Surely not.
Once again, Zimbabwe found themselves in a good position, this time with the bat in the 2nd ODI of the series at Chittagong. Once again, though, they failed to capitalise, leaving themselves exposed like a boxer with his hands down.
Will Bangladesh clean sweep the series for the third consecutive time against Zimbabwe at home, or can the tourists salvage pride?
Bangladesh have showcased why they continue to rise in ODIs. Periods of pressure from the opposition have not always broken them, which has ensured that they consistently enjoy that winning feeling. In 2018, despite the disappointment of two defeats in multi-team tournament Finals, Bangladesh have won 10 ODIs out of 16, and given the prowess they over Zimbabwe, anything other than 11 wins out of 17 will be a surprise.
For Zimbabwe, it’s now 19 defeats in a row across formats, and you’d have to scratch your head really hard to think when and where their next win will come. On a flat, true Chittagong pitch, a total of 246/7 was at least 30 under par, and given they were 147/2 after 29.2 overs, that total was extremely disappointing. Bowling under lights proved to be difficult due to the dew, so can Zimbabwe get lucky enough to bowl first, put pressure on Bangladesh like the first ODI, and complete the job?
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Key to a Bangladesh win
From a Bangladesh perspective, having the openers put on a big stand and just about seeing the team home would have been very refreshing to see.
The focus of the top order will be to create headaches for the selectors. With Tamim Iqbal coming back, can Liton Das put a further case to still be included in the side? With a century and 80+ in his last three innings, Bangladesh can hope for more from a very stylish looking player, and so too Imrul Kayes, who is in superb touch. A player in danger is Fazle Mahmud, who has started his ODI career with two ducks – will he be given another chance to score runs? Regardless of the personnel, Bangladesh will be hoping the top order once again sets the tone.
Also, Bangladesh were superb at the death in the 2nd ODI, exposing an opponent low on confidence. In the third, can they pick up early wickets to snuff out any hope of a strong Zimbabwe batting effort? All of Zimbabwe’s top six have clear weaknesses – for example, Hamilton Masakadza’s wafts outside the off stump is one to exploit, and so too Cephas Zhuwao’s struggles against the incoming the delivery.
Key to a Zimbabwe win
The first 30 overs of each ODI had Zimbabwe loving life. The remaining parts, though, are additional chapters to a sad, sorry story of Zimbabwe Cricket right now.
Just 99 runs after Brendan Taylor’s dismissal in the 30th over is a highlight of Zimbabwe’s issues – good moments, but not sustained for long enough periods to get a good result. Today, skipper Hamilton Masakadza must avoid lazy wafts outside off stump, and set the tone for his side to take the game to the hosts. Sean Williams was disappointing too in the 2nd ODI, leaving Sikandar Raza with lots to do to try get Zimbabwe to 270. Will it be a more cohesive batting display today?
Also, with the ball, Kyle Jarvis is so important to their success. Without early wickets, Zimbabwe looked quite toothless in the second ODI, and against a top order that is still yet to string together solid performances, Zimbabwe need to pick up early scalps. But, will they be able to maintain this right throughout the innings?
Possible XIs
Soumya Sarkar was a late inclusion to the Bangladesh squad, and there is a good chance he will play over Fazle Mahmud, who has picked up two ducks in the series. Also, with the series won, the likes of Ariful Haque, Rubel Hossain or Abu Hider could get a game.
Bangladesh possible XI: 1. Liton Das, 2. Imrul Kayes, 3. Soumya Sarkar, 4. Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 5. Mohammad Mithun, 6. Mahmudullah, 7. Mohammad Saifuddin, 8. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 9. Mashrafe Mortaza (c), 10. Mustafizur Rahman/Abu Hider, 11. Nazmul Islam/Rubel Hossain
Plenty of changes is a possibility for Zimbabwe, in an attempt to gain some pride.
Zimbabwe possible XI: 1. Hamilton Masakadza (c), 2. Cephas Zhuwao/Solomon Mire, 3. Brendan Taylor (wk), 4. Sean Williams, 5. Peter Moor, 6. Elton Chigumbura/Craig Ervine/Wellington Masakadza, 7. Sikandar Raza, 8. Donald Tiripano, 9. Brandon Mavuta, 10. Kyle Jarvis, 11. Tendai Chatara
Dream11
Changes are likely for both sides, so keep an eye out for updates. Below is my
Dream11 team, with a few pointers.
- Soumya Sarkar is likely to get a go, and will be out to prove a point. Both Bangladesh openers make my side, and I will continue the faith in Hamilton Masakadza.
- Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza represent both important middle over batsmen and bowlers.
- Mohammad Saifuddin continues to impress, an Kyle Jarvis is capable of wickets throughout the innings.
Stats and Facts
- Bangladesh are aiming for three straight ODI series whitewashes against Zimbabwe in Bangladesh.
- Imrul Kayes needs 79 runs to become Bangladesh’s highest scorer in a three-match ODI series. The current record is held by Tamim Iqbal (312 runs).
- Zimbabwe have lost 19 matches in a row across formats since March.
Prediction
Bangladesh are looking far superior to a struggling Zimbabwe side.
Bangladesh to win and sweep the series 3-0.
Thanks for reading!
P.S., I have partnered with the absolutely amazing team at
onlinecricstore.com, the
most comprehensive Online Cricket Store you’ll see. Through me, you can enjoy discounts on 700+ products
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here.
