Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe, 2nd ODI Preview: Spirited visitors aim to get back on level terms

Despite the late surge from the visitors in the first ODI, Mashrafe Mortaza‘s Bangladesh side will be very happy with the way things panned out at Dhaka. The action now shifts to a much humid location in Chittagong, where the spinners have historically done a brilliant job.

Imrul Kayes played the knock of his International career in the first ODI and deservingly won the player of the match award. The southpaw is certainly in contention to make it to the World Cup squad and a few more useful knocks from here can take him places.

Zimbabwe didn’t do a lot wrong, but they let a few moments slip away from their hands. Despite getting off to a flying start with the ball, they couldn’t contain Imrul Kayes and with the bat, the top order just fell apart. They do have a side which can pull off an upset but for that to happen, they should play their best cricket in the first place.

Playing combinations

Bangladesh

Liton Das and Imrul Kayes will continue to open with Fazle Mahmud coming in at number 3. Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Mithun, Mahmudullah and Mehidy Hasan will follow in the middle-order. Mehidy will also remain the key with the ball and might share the new ball with skipper Mashrafe Mortaza. Nazmul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman and Mohammad Saifuddin are the other bowling options.

Predicted XI: Imrul Kayes, Liton Das, Fazle Mahmud, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mohammad Mithun, Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mashrafe Mortaza (C), Nazmul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman.

Zimbabwe

Skipper Hamilton Masakadza will kick-start the proceedings alongside Cephas Zhuwao, who did a fabulous job in the previous match. A bunch of experienced players form the middle-order for the visitors in Brendan Taylor, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams and Peter Moor. Kyle Jarvis and Donald Tiripano will remain the key in the bowling unit alongside Brandon Mavuta and Tendai Chatara.

Predicted XI: Cephas Zhuwao, Hamilton Masakadza (C), Craig Ervine, Brendan Taylor (wk), Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Peter Moor, Brandon Mavuta, Kyle Jarvis, Tendai Chatara, Donald Tiripano.

Focus will be on

Liton Das (Bangladesh)

After a mind-boggling performance in the Asia Cup final, Liton Das made a huge statement to the selectors. The 24-year-old is keen to earn a place in the World Cup squad and every knock from here will be a tremendous challenge. Despite failing to make an impact in the first game, he will look to muster a few runs here and give the home fans something to cheer.

Brendan Taylor (Zimbabwe)

One of the senior most cricketers in the Zimbabwean lineup, Brendan Taylor needs no introduction. He has not been playing his best cricket ever since he came out of International retirement and he failed to have his say in the first ODI. He’s the most technically astute player in the lineup and if he can get some runs, the side will be in a much better position.

Stat Attack

10 – This is the 10th time both these sides will face off at Chittagong, the first time since 2014.

11 – Bangladesh are undefeated against Zimbabwe in their last 11 ODIs.

Broadcast Details

TV – Star

Match Timing – 14:00 IST; 14:30 Local time

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