BAN vs ZIM, 1st ODI,Tri-series 2018, Preview: Teams fight to clinch the ascendancy

Both Bangladesh and Zimbabwe haven’t had the best of times in international cricket. The hosts toured South Africa in July for a Test, ODI and T20I series, however, were whitewashed in all three formats. Their players looked out of sorts throughout the tour as the Proteas smashed them with utter disdain.

Zimbabwe, on the other hand, played the inaugural four-day Test Match in the same country. However, the+y couldn’t counter the might of the Proteas and subsequently stumbled to a humiliating defeat. Nevertheless, both teams now have an opportunity to make amends as the tri-series involving Sri Lanka as well kick-starts on Monday.

Bangladesh and Zimbabwe will lock horns in the first ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka. The home side will be playing their first series after the resignation of Chandika Hathuransingha. They have always been a brute force at home and has been hard to beat on the traditionally low and slow wickets.

Zimbabwe doesn’t have the greatest of records in Bangladesh and will be looking to turn their fortunes around in the sub-continent nation. They can take heart from their recent form in One Day Internationals. In July, they registered their maiden series-triumph against Sri Lanka by a margin of 3-2 during their tour to the island nation.

Playing  Combination

Bangladesh

Bangladesh succumbed to three consecutive defeats in an ODI series back in October. The fact that Tamim Iqbal and Mustafizur Rahman were sidelined due to injuries didn’t help their cause of challenging the Proteas in their own den. However, after the injury layoff, both are likely to make the playing XI in tomorrow’s game. Tamim Iqbal and Anamul Haque are likely to open the innings for the Tigers.

Haque recently scored a masterful 202 for the Khulna Division against Dhaka Division, a knock which will keep him in good stead ahead of the series. With Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah in the squad, they have a couple of useful all-rounders in the ranks. Mushfiqur Rahim remains to be the designated wicket-keeper in the side and will need to replicate the form he showed in the ODI series in South Africa.

Sabbir Rahman, with his power-hitting skills, will lend depth to the batting lineup. Mustafizur Rahman, Mashrafe Mortaza and Rubel Hossain will most probably shoulder the pace-attack. Sunzamul Islam is likely to partner Shakib in the spin bowling XI.

Probable XI: Tamim Iqbal, Anamul Haque, Mohammad Mithun, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim (wkt), Mahmudullah, Sabbir Rahman, Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), Sunzamul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe have made three changes from their previous squad. They don’t have the services of Tarisai Musakanda, Sean Williams and Carl Mumba. They are most likely to be replaced by Brendan Taylor, Kyle Jarvis and Christopher Mpofu. The lineup looks more or less settled going into the tri-series.

Solomon Mire has displayed excellent form against Sri Lanka and he will look to carry forward his form. Hamilton Masakadza’s experience also needs to come to the fore in order for Zimbabwe to perform well. Brendan Taylor’s return to the squad will undoubtedly boost their batting.

They also have Craig Ervine and Malcolm Waller in the team who can shoulder the responsibility when required. The bowling attack also looks strong with Christopher Mpofu, Kyle Jarvis and Tendai Chatara in the ranks. Above all, Graeme Creamer, the Zimbabwean skipper, needs to weave his magic with his leg-breaks to restrict oppositions.

Probable XI: Hamilton Masakadza, Solomon Mire, Craig Ervine, Brendan Taylor, Malcolm Waller, Sikandar Raza, Peter Moor (wk), Graeme Cremer (capt), Kyle Jarvis, Christopher Mpofu, Tendai Chatara

Focus will be on

Shakib Al Hasan

Shakib Al Hasan has played a vital role in several of Bangladesh’s victories. Many a time, he has rescued Bangladesh with both bat and ball. On home conditions, Bangladesh will again look up to the veteran to deliver the goods. The turf in Mirpur is known for assisting spinners and Shakib will be itching to roll his arm over and take advantage of the conditions.

Brendan Taylor

Brendan Taylor announced his international retirement after his jaw-dropping century against India in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. However, he came back from retirement and played the four-day Test match against South Africa at Port Elizabeth. It won’t spring a surprise if Zimbabwe pin hopes on the Harare-born cricketer. Even he would love to celebrate his return to the format with a big knock.

Stat Attack

2 – Imrul Kayes needs 2 more runs to complete 2000 ODI runs

2 – Rubel Hossain needs 2 more wickets to complete 100 ODI wickets

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