Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe 1st T20I, Mirpur: Preview, prediction, likely XIs

After being thrashed 0-3 in the ODIs, a battered, bruised Zimbabwe will now take on Bangladesh for 2 T20Is, both at Mirpur. The Zimbabweans did not impress in the ODIs, and there is little reason to believe that they will do significantly better in the T20Is.

Bangladesh have lost their last 2 T20I series, 1-2 in India and 0-2 in Pakistan. However, before that they had made it to the final of the Tri-Series at home (which also featured Afghanistan and Zimbabwe); unfortunately, the final was washed out.

While Shakib Al Hasan is still serving his ban, Bangladesh do boast of a strong side, with Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Mustafizur Rahman, and the in-form pair of Tamim Iqbal and Liton Das all featuring. Given how they dominated the ODIs, it is very likely that they would sweep the T20Is as well.

As mentioned, Zimbabwe had failed to make it to the final of the Tri-Series in Bangladesh, though they followed it by winning another, in Singapore, which also featured Nepal. Earlier, they had lost 0-2 in Netherlands and drawn 1-1 in Ireland, so it has not been the greatest of years.

While their batting boasts of the likes of Brendan Taylor, Sikandar Raza, Craig Ervine, and Sean Williams, the bowling looks particularly thin.

Head to head

Bangladesh hold a 7-4 lead including 6-3 on home soil. They have met only twice in the last three years and Bangladesh have won both matches.

Key players

Liton Das (Bangladesh): Just two days ago, Liton smashed a 143-ball 176 – now the highest score by a Bangladeshi – against almost the same bowling attack. He will definitely eye the T20I record as well.

Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe): Zimbabwe’s ace all-rounder will have to be at his best in both departments to make a fight of this. Raza has been prolific against Bangladesh in the past.

Likely XIs

Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal, Mohammad Naim, Liton Das (wk), Afif Hossain, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah (c), Soumya Sarkar, Aminul Islam, Shafiul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Al-Amin Hossain.

Zimbabwe: Brendan Taylor (wk), Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine, Chamu Chibhabha (c), Sikandar Raza, Wesley Madhevere, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Christopher Mpofu, Donald Tiripano, Carl Mumba.

Prediction

Bangladesh to win comfortably.