Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe, 3rd ODI, Sylhet: Preview, likely XI, prediction

Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe, 3rd ODI, Sylhet: Preview, likely XI, prediction

Brendan Taylor Zimbabwe

This series needed that second ODI. There was a tall total, there was a good chase, and ultimately, it all came down to the last over. Had Zimbabwe managed one more big hit, they might well have been celebrating a fine win. Instead, they’ve conceded the series, and will now look to win the consolation prize.

However, Zimbabwe will take the positives, having put in a markedly improved showing from the first ODI. Tamim Iqbal returned to form in ODIs to score a magnificent 158, as Bangladesh set Zimbabwe a mammoth target of 323. Given Zimbabwe were bundled out for just 152 in the first ODI, not many gave them a chance in the chase.

Things seemed to heading down that gloomy path when the top order wobbled, and they were reduced to 102/4, with all the mainstay batsmen – Regis Chakabva, Brendan Taylor and Sean Williams – being sent back. However, a strong middle order resistance, with half-centuries from Wesley Madhevere, Sikandar Raza and Donald Tripano to them to the brink.

Williams was later left wondering what might have been had the top order mustered a little bit more. It remains a point of much-needed improvement for the team, and Williams made that immensely clear in the post-mortem after the loss. How Zimbabwe fare in the final ODI will depend on it.

As far as Bangladesh are concerned, that second ODI was a hiccough, but they won’t be overly concerned. They have their senior batsman back in form, and with both opener scoring centuries in the series, their batting looks exceptional. It’s the bowlers who will hope to avoid a repeat of the second ODI, when they failed to make the most of an opening.

Head to head

There have been 74 ODIs between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe over the years. Their victory the other day in Sylhet was Bangladesh’s 46th win in these clashes. Zimbabwe are still searching for their 29th, and will hope it comes on Friday.

Key players

Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh): After a lean run in ODIs, Tamim Iqbal returned to form in typical, boisterous fashion, hammering a 136-ball 158. It was the team’s highest individual score in ODIs, and Tamim needed that dearly, having not looked too good since he return from a self-imposed hiatus. Now that he’s got a taste of runs again, Zimbabwe will have to be wary.

Wesley Madhevere (Zimbabwe): Just a month ago, Madhevere was playing in the U19 World Cup in South Africa. Now, he’s a senior batsman, and fast-becoming a vital cog in the line-up. He’s Zimbabwe’s top-scorer in the series so far, having scored a half-century in the last outing, and he is definitely one to keep an eye on.

Likely XIs

Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah, Mohammad Mithun, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mashrafe Mortaza (c), Taijul Islam, Shaiful Islam, Al-Amin Hossain

Zimbabwe: Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Regis Chakabva, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams, Wesley Madhevere, Sikandar Raza, Richmond Mutumbami (wk), Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Donald Tripano, Carl Mumba, Charlton Tshuma

Prediction

Bangladesh to complete the sweep.