Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe, 1st ODI, Sylhet: Preview, prediction, likely XIs

Bangladesh will start another chapter in their busy schedule in 2020. The ODI series against Zimbabwe is also significant as this is surely the last series for Mashrafe Mortaza as captain and can be potentially his last series in international cricket. The team would like to give a fitting farewell to their charismatic captain. The first match of the 3-match ODI series will be played at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on March 1.

Bangladesh are a strong ODI squad at home and the recent Test win against the same opposition will give them lots of confidence. The squad is a good mix of youth and experience. Tamim Iqbal is back and he along with Mushfiqur Rahim will be the mainstay of the batting line up. The line-up also includes youngsters like Mohammad Naim and Liton Das. For bowling, they have Mustafizur Rahman back in the squad who would like to be back in form keeping in mind the upcoming World T20.

For Zimbabwe, it is another opportunity to get some valuable exposer to international cricket. Their experienced players like Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, and Sikandar Raza will try to shine and create one or two upsets.

Head to head

Out of 72 face-offs, Bangladesh won 44 and Zimbabwe 28.

Key players

Mushfiqur Rahim (Bangladesh): Mushfiqur Rahim is currently the best batsman of Bangladesh cricket team. His confidence will be sky high after the double century in the Dhaka Test. Bangladesh will look for him to give them a great finish during the death overs.

Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe): Sikandar Raza is one of Zimbabwe’s key all-rounders who does not get enough opportunity to display his skills at the world stage. He should consider this as a great way to remind the cricket world regarding his ability and contribute with both bat and ball for Zimbabwe.

Likely XIs

Bangladesh- Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das (wk), Mohammad Naim/Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Afif Hossain/Mehidy Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mashrafe Mortaza (C), Taijul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Shafiul Islam

Zimbabwe- Chamu Chibhabha (C), Tinashe Kamunhukamwe/Richmond Mutumbami, Craig Ervine, Brendan Taylor (wk), Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Donald Tiripano, Chris Mpofu, Ainsley Ndlovu, Wesley Madhevere

Prediction

Bangladesh to win.