Zimbabwe host Bangladesh in the first of a three-match ODI series, to be played at the Harare Sports Club in the capital city on Monday, July 6. This game comes on the heels of the one-off Test played at the same venue, in which the home team defeated Bangladesh by an innings and 85 runs. It was one of the most humiliating losses faced by the Bangla Tigers in the recent past, especially to a side like Zimbabwe. The loss becomes ominous because Zimbabwe (10th) are ranked lower than Bangladesh (8th) in the ICC Test rankings. The visitors will look to shrug this defeat off as quickly as possible and prepare for the change in format.
Fortunately, all three ODIs will be played in Harare before the juggernaut moves to Bulawayo for a three-match T20I series. With Mehidy Hasan Miraz at the helm for the ODIs, the Bangla Tigers sport a different look. They appear hungry and mean, and have quite a few youngsters in their squad. The likes of Towhid Hridoy, Saif Hassan and Tanzid Hasan Tamim, among others, will be keen to impress. These players know that performing well away from home will win them plaudits in Bangladesh. The visiting side appear to have a strong bowling unit, stocked by the presence of Mustafizur Rahman, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed and Miraz himself.
For Zimbabwe, the key challenge will be to continue in the same vein of form. Ben Curran and Craig Ervine will lead the batting department, while the bowling unit will be held together by the likes of Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani. The home team have quite a few handy all-rounders in their squad as well, including Brian Bennett, Innocent Kaia, captain Sikandar Raza and Bradley Evans. Knowing that they have an advantage over the Bangladeshis will help Zimbabwe prepare better for this ODI series. If they manage to rotate the strike well in the middle overs, Zimbabwe will be able to dictate terms to the Bangla Tigers.
Predicted Teams
ZIM: Ben Curran,
Innocent Kaia,
Sikandar Raza (c),
Brian Bennett,
Craig Ervine,
Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk),
Wessly Madhevere,
Bradley Evans,
Newman Nyamhuri,
Richard Ngarava (c),
Blessing Muzarabani.
BAN: Tanzid Hasan Tamim,
Saif Hassan,
Najmul Hossain Shanto,
Towhid Hridoy,
Litton Das (wk),
Soumya Sarkar,
Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c),
Rishad Hossain,
Taskin Ahmed,
Mustafizur Rahman,
Shoriful Islam.
Key Players
Richard Ngarava (ZIM): Fast bowler Richard Ngarava, named as captain for the one-off Test, is one of the most exciting prospects to come out of Zimbabwe. The left-arm seamer can be a dangerous proposition with the new ball, getting it to swing back into the right-handers. He can also get it to move away after pitching, especially when bowling to southpaws. Ngarava has decent pace up his sleeve as well, and is easily the most renowned cricketer from Zimbabwe in the world after Sikandar Raza. Ngarava will be tasked with the job of making early breakthroughs and preventing the visitors from getting off to good starts. His role will be of essence in the first power play.
Tanzid Hasan Tamim (BAN): Tanzid Hasan Tamim is one of the most promising batters to come out of the Bangladeshi stables in recent times after Towhid Hridoy. It appears as if Tamim is built for white-ball cricket, since he can take on bowlers inside the power play without a care in the world. His dominating footwork makes him hard to pin down, since he gets close to the ball at all times and plays with his head right on top. His opening partnership with Saif Hassan will become crucial for the visitors, whether they are setting a target or chasing one. Tamim can also advocate balance when the spinners come on, and the team needs him to play sensibly for a long period.
Match Prediction
Despite Zimbabwe’s win in the one-off Test, Bangladesh are the favourites to win this match. They have a more balanced outfit for the ODIs, with the right mix between youth and experience. The Bangla Tigers are also hungry after the drubbing they faced in the Test. They will try to make sure that they come back with a bang. Zimbabwe do not have enough depth in their batting ranks. This will come to haunt them when facing the high-quality Bangladeshi seamers.
