T20 World Cup 2022: Match 28 - Predicted Bangladesh Playing XI vs Zimbabwe

Bangladesh and Zimbabwe are set to square off in the 28^th match of the Super 12 stage in the ICC T20 World Cup 2022. Both sides are coming into this match with contrasting results from their previous fixture in the group stage.

The Bangla Tigers won their first match against the Netherlands but are in major trouble after the thrashing they endured in the match against South Africa. The loss was so massive against the Proteas that the net run rate took a toll as the side now stands with -2.375 on the table. Whereas, Zimbabwe have grown to be a fighting side in the last few years and that has culminated in them fighting hard against Pakistan and winning the match eventually by a run.

Zimbabweans will hope to pull off another victory and they have the potential to do so. Bangladesh will need to remain on their feet and put up a strong show in order to keep their semi-finals hopes alive. 

Let’s look at Bangladesh’s probable playing XI against Zimbabwe

Openers: Najmul Hossain Shanto and Soumya Sarkar

Soumya Sarkar did get off to a good start against the Netherlands just prior to getting out for 14 runs in the first game. However, the opener has not been able to find rhythm in his game in his outing against South Africa. Again, he started off well smashing two sixes but was eventually caught out by the wicket keeper in his cameo.

Najmul Shanto like his partner, has not been able to hit the ground running for his side on both occasions. The duo will aim to build a solid partnership and lay the foundation to compete well against the Zimbabweans.

Middle-Order: Litton Das, Yasir Ali, Afif Hossain, Nurul Hasan (wk)

Litton Das, one player in the side who can be a difference in terms of aggressive hitting, played a rather cautious innings against South Africa. The batter scored 34 off the 31 balls he faced with just one maximum and a four to his name.

The tigers may want to bring back the likes of Yasir Ali in place of Mehidy Hasan Miraz in order to bolster their batting line-up. However, with his inclusion, the team will need to be creative with their fifth-bowling option.

Afif Hossain and Nurul Hasan were underwhelming in their previous match against the Proteas and will ned to step up if the side has to make it to the last four of the World Cup. Batting has been a major concern as the line-up has not lived up to its full potential.

All-Rounders: Shakib Al Hasan (c) and Mosaddek Hossain

The skipper, Shakib Al Hasan has garnered plenty of experience as he has donned the Bangla outfit since the inception of the marquee tournament in 2007. It is his experience that will come handy for the side in the pressure situations coupled with his versatility as a player.

Both with the bat and the ball, Mosaddek Hossain had a match to forget against South Africa. Out for a nought and getting whacked for 16 runs in his two overs, Hossain was just no match to the Proteans. However, against Zimbabwe, he will look to play a vital role and hope to give an edge with his skills as an all-rounder.

Bowlers: Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud

Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman, the duo have the potential to dismantle the top order and provide major breakthroughs during the match. The Australian pitches will certainly favour the pacers, and both will look to use this to their advantage. After getting battered for 46 runs in his three overs against South Africa, Ahmed will look to swiftly pick wickets for a winning cause against Zimbabwe.

Hasan Mahmud has been decent with the ball but nothing too great has come off him yet. The side will hope he quickly becomes a more integral part of the bowling line-up and can give them an edge during the crunch moments of the game.

Bangladesh predicted XI against Zimbabwe:

Najmul Hossain Shanto, Soumya Sarkar, Litton Das, Shakib Al Hasan(C), Afif Hossain, Yasir Ali, Nurul Hassan(wk), Mosaddek Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud