Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka only Test, Mirpur: Preview, prediction, likely XIs

Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka only Test, Mirpur: Preview, prediction, likely XIs

Brendan Taylor Bangladesh Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe had as good as been stripped of ICC membership status when they last toured Bangladesh. Their players had gone on a strike before parts of their payments had been released just ahead of the series. And yet they had returned home with a 1-1 win – the same England and Australia have achieved in their respective last trips.

Zimbabwe’s win at Sylhet, by 151 runs, was the first time they won a Test away from home in 17 years. Bangladesh then paid the favours back with a 218-run win despite hundreds in each innings from Brendan Taylor.

Zimbabwe have played a solitary series since then, against Sri Lanka at home last month, in which they did admirably well. They kept Sri Lanka at bay till the last session of the first Test. And in the second, they secured a 113-run lead, and forced Sri Lanka to bat for a draw in the fourth innings.

Bangladesh followed their defeat against Zimbabwe with a 2-0 sweep against West Indies at home. Since then they have lost 6 Tests in a row – 2 in New Zealand, 1 against Afghanistan at home, 2 in India, and 1 in Pakistan.

Despite that, with two quality spinners who can take advantage of the Mirpur turner, Bangladesh will take field as favourites.

Head to head

At one point Zimbabwe held a 4-0 lead against Bangladesh. They then stretched that to 6-1. They still hold the lead, but only a margin 7-6. However, Bangladesh lead 5-2 at home.

Key players

Mushfiqur Rahim (Bangladesh): It was Mushfiqur’s characteristically classy 219 not out – still a national record – that had helped Bangladesh beat Zimbabwe at Mirpur and level the series last time. After opting out of the Pakistan tour, he is back to take charge of the middle order.

Brendan Taylor (Zimbabwe): Zimbabwe were bowled out for 304 and 224 in the same Test, but Taylor had stood amidst the ruins despite that, counterattacking against quality spinners on a turning pitch to carve out 110 and 106 not out.

Likely XIs

Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal, Saif Hussain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque (c), Yasir Ali, Mohammad Mithun, Liton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman.

Zimbabwe: Prince Masvaure, Kevin Kasuza, Craig Ervine (c), Brendan Taylor, Timycen Maruma, Sikandar Raza, Regis Chakabva (wk), Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Donald Tiripano, Carl Mumba, Victor Nyauchi.

Prediction

Bangladesh to win a close match.