Bangladesh can potentially play 16 matches in their lead-up to the T20 World Cup. The first of these is scheduled on 22 July, against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club. Following this three-match series, Bangladesh will play against oppositions ranked above them – Australia, New Zealand and England – at home, starting next month.
Bangladesh will miss Tamim Iqbal for at least two months due to a knee injury. He has returned home following their 3-0 ODI series win a couple of days ago. The in-form Mahmudullah will lead in Tamim’s absence, while Mohammad Naim is likely to replace Tamim to start off the proceedings, alongside Liton Das.
Shakib Al Hasan, who was adjudged the Player of the Series in the ODIs for an impressive all-round performance, will be key for Bangladesh again. Bangladesh are unbeaten on the tour, are well favourites on paper, and will be looking to continue their bull run going forward.
Bangladesh have a four-member pace attack, featuring Mohammad Saifuddin, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, and Mustafizur Rahman. They have also got a genuine wicket-taking option in Mehidy Hasan Miraz, their standout performer throughout the tour.
Zimbabwe have fearless batters in Brendan Taylor, Regis Chakabva, Ryan Burl and Sikandar Raza, but their bowling unit has been inconsistent. Only Blessing Muzarabani has threatened Bangladeshi batters every once in a while. Tendai Chatara did not give any pace support so far Muzarabani needed.
Zimbabwe have rested Taylor, Sean Williams and Craig Ervine in the T20Is. Raza will be the stand-in captain in Taylor’s absence.
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Zimbabwe and Bangladesh have played five bilateral T2oI series before. Bangladesh emerged victorious twice, while the remaining three ended up in a draw.
- Soumya Sarkar needs 49 more to score 1,000 T20I runs.
- Having played four times so far, Zimbabwe are yet to win a contest against Bangladesh in this tour.
- Zimbabwe have lost ten out of their last 11 T20Is.
Likely XIs
Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza (c), Regis Chakabva (wk), Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tarisai Musakanda, Dion Myers, Wesley Madhevere, Ryan Burl, Donald Tiripano, Luke Jongwe, Tendai Chatara, Blessing Muzarabani.
Bangladesh: Mahmudullah (c), Mohammad Naim, Liton Das (wk), Shakib Al Hasan, Afif Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman.
Prediction
Bangladesh to win the contest comfortably.