Ban vs Zim
Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe T20 Series 2024: Fixtures, Head-To-Head Records
The Tigers will take on Zimbabwe as a last assignment before visiting the USA. Zimbabwe will tour Bangladesh for a 5-match T20I series to bolster their preparation for World T20 as well. This is the first time these two teams will be facing each other since the thriller in World T20 2022 at Brisbane. Both teams are likely to come up with their best possible squads for this series. Here is all you need to know for the Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe Men's T20I Series 2024.
Full Fixtures of BAN vs ZIM T20I Series in 2024
The series is scheduled to kick off on Friday, May 3 at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram. It will end with the 5th T20I of the series on Saturday, May 11 at Dhaka's Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
Table: Full fixture of the T20I series between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe
Match
Date
Venue
1st T20
Friday, May 3, 2024
Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram
2nd T20
Sunday, May 5, 2024
Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram
3rd T20
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram
4th T20
Friday, May 10, 2024
Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka
5th T20
Saturday, May 11, 2024
Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka
Read more: BCB appoints former Pakistan great Mushtaq Ahmed as spin-bowling coach
BAN vs ZIM Head-to-Head T20I Records So Far
Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe have faced each other 20 times in T20I. Bangladesh has won 13 games against Zimbabwe which is the most for them against a single opponent. Similarly, Zimbabwe has won 7 games against Bangladesh which is their highest (along with Ireland) against a single opponent.
There have been 7 bilateral T20 series played between these two sides. 3 have been won by Bangladesh, 1 by Zimbabwe and the rest were a draw. However, Zimbabwe were the last bilateral series winners among them. Therefore, it is the perfect opportunity for both sides to brush up before the World T20. Let’s dive into some more detailed H2H records among these two familiar sides.
Table: Head-to-Head Records between Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe
Records
Bangladesh
Zimbabwe
Match Wins
13
7
Highest Total
200/3
205/3
Lowest Total
135/9
119/7
Largest Victories by Runs
48 Runs
31 Runs
Largest Victories by Wickets
9 Wickets
3 Wickets
Read more: Tamim's international career in limbo as BCB offers no clarity
Table: Notable Individual Head-to-Head Records between Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe:
Records
Bangladesh
Zimbabwe
Most Matches
Mahmudllah Riyad (16)
Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams (16)
Most Runs
Litton Das (308)
Hamilton MasaKadza (377)
Highest Score
Najmul Hossain Shanto(71)
Hamilton Masakadza (93)
Most 50
Litton Das (3)
Wesley Madhevere (3)
Most Sixes
Soumya Sarkar (15)
Malcolm Waller (18)
Most Wickets
Mustafizur Rahman (24)
Graeme Cramer (11)
Best Bowling
Mosaddek Hossain (4-0-20-5)
Neville Madziva (4-0-34-4)
Most Catches
Soumya Sarkar (8)
Sikandar Raza (9)
Most Dismissals
Mushfiqur Rahim (7)
Regis Chakabva (5)
Highest Partnership
Shakib Al Hasan-Shamsur Rahman (118)
Vusi Sibanda, Hamilton Masakadza (101)
Most Matches as a Captain
Mashrafe Mortaza (6)
Elton Chigumbura (4)
Bottom Line
Both of the teams are coming to the series after suffering a 2-1 defeat against Sri Lanka. Bangladesh lost to them at their home while Zimbabwe lost to Sri Lanka. Therefore, both of them will go to the field having a similar situation. The last 1 year of Bangladesh at T20 cricket on home ground, where they beat England, Ireland, and Afghanistan, makes them a slight favorite for this series. On the other hand, Zimbabwe lost their last 3 series in a row. Nevertheless, both teams can ulitilise the BAN vs ZIM T20I Series 2024 to prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup tournament.
Read more: 'Mustafizur has nothing to learn from IPL,' says BCB Cricket Ops chair
Afif, Anmul propel Bangladesh to 256 in 3rd ODI
Afif Hossain, unbeaten at 85, and Anamul Haque Bijoy, hitting his second fifty in the series, propelled Bangladesh to 256 for nine in the third and final ODI against Zimbabwe on Wednesday at the Harare Sports Club.
Zimbabwe won the first two matches of the series, and they are on the verge of registering a clean sweep over Bangladesh.
Bangladesh suffered their last clean sweep over Zimbabwe back in 2001.
The Tigers need to defend this total to avoid a whitewash against the hosts.
For the third time in the series, Bangladesh lost the toss and were inserted to bat first.
Like the first two matches, Bangladesh managed a brisk start as Tamim Iqbal and Anamul Haque added 41 runs in 8.3 overs. Tamim going well until being trapped in a run-out for 19 off 30 balls.
After Tamim’s departure, Bangladesh suffered a mini-collapse with out-form batter Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim fell quickly within the 10 overs of the innings. Both suffered a duck each.
Read: Bangladesh bat first in 3rd ODI vs Zimbabwe
In the fourth-wicket stand, Anamul and Mahmudullah Riyad added 77 runs. But the unusually slow batting from Mahmudullah put immense pressure on Bangladesh. Mahmudullah eventually fell for 39 off 69 balls.
Afif was firm at the other end of the wicket. But he did not get enough company from Mehidy Hasan Miraz who batted for 24 balls to score 14 runs.
Afif remained unbeaten for 85 off 81 balls with six fours and two sixes.
For Zimbabwe, Brad Evans and Luke Jongwe scalped two wickets each.
Bangladesh have three pacers in their arsenal along with Taijul Islam and Mehidy as the spinners to defend a total of 256. In the last two matches of this series, Bangladesh failed to defend 303 and 290.
Bangladesh post 290 as Mahmudullah hits unbeaten 80
Despite a good start against Zimbabwe in the second ODI, Bangladesh finished on 290-9 in Harare Sunday.
The Tigers lost the toss once again and were asked to bat first. Tamim Iqbal and Anamul Haque made a brisk start scoring 71 in 10.6 overs.
Tamim perished for 50 off 45 balls. The next three batters – Aamul (20), Najmul Hossain Shanto (38) and Mushfiqur Rahim (25) failed to convert their promising starts into substantial scores.
In the fifth-wicket stand, Mahmudullah Riyad and Afif Hossain added 81 runs. Afif fell for 41 off 41 balls, but Riyad stood firm like a rock at the other end of the wicket. He remained unbeaten on 80 off 84 balls.
Riding on Riyad, Bangladesh scored 84 runs in the last 10 overs.
For Zimbabwe, Sikandar Raza bagged three wickets conceding 56 in his 10 overs and Wesley Madhevere took two conceding 40 in nine overs.
Read: BAN vs ZIM 1st ODI 2022: 5 Talking Points
Zimbabwe won the first match of the series chasing 303 runs – their first such win against Bangladesh, and maiden victory against the same side in nine years.
If Bangladesh win today's match, the last match of the series, on August 10, will be a series decider.
Bangladesh bat first in 1st ODI vs Zimbabwe
Bangladesh lost the toss but were sent out to bat first in the first of the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club on Friday.
Bangladesh have included Anamul Haque Bijoy in this match. The right-handed batter played his last ODI back in 2019.
He played marvellously in the last edition of the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League, a 50-over event in Bangladesh, and scored more than 1,100 runs.
Also read: Will do what it takes to beat Zimbabwe in ODIs: Tamim
Mushfiqur Rahim has also staged a comeback, following a leave of absence in the series against the West Indies.
Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam and Mustafizur Rahman, on the other hand, are part of the Bangladesh's bowling attack.
Bangladesh have won all of their last 19 ODIs against Zimbabwe. Also, the Tigers have won six of their last seven ODI series at home and abroad.
Also read: BCB yet to name a captain for Asia Cup
Ahead of the ODI series, Bangladesh played a three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe and lost 2-1.
But in ODIs, Bangladesh are a stronger side. Tamim Iqbal, the Bangladesh captain, however, said they have to play their best cricket to beat Zimbabwe at their home.
Bangladesh (Playing XI): Tamim Iqbal (c), Liton Das, Anamul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Afif Hossain, Mosaddek Hossain, Mehidy Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman
Zimbabwe (Playing XI): Regis Chakabva (w/c), Innocent Kaia, Wesley Madhevere, Tarisai Musakanda, Sikandar Raza, Milton Shumba, Ryan Burl, Luke Jongwe, Victor Nyauchi, Richard Ngarava, Wellington Masakadza
BAN vs ZIM T20I Series 2022: Bangladesh’s predicted playing XI for 3rd match
Bangladesh have leveled the BAN vs ZIM T20I Series 2022 after winning the second match by 7 wickets on Sunday. The third match will be held on Tuesday at the Harare Sports Club, and the contest will start at 5 p.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time). There is bad news for Bangladesh's campaign as wicket-keeper batter Nurul Hasan Sohan will not be available for the remainder of the Zimbabwe series after sustaining an injury to his left index finger while keeping the second match. Mahmudullah Riyad has been included in the T20 squad for the final match. However, Riyad will not be captaining the side, confirmed by BCB. All-rounder Mosaddek Hossain will be leading the Bangladesh team in the series-finale contest. Let’s take a look at the players who could make the playing XI for Bangladesh's team in the 3rd match of Bangladesh-Zimbabwe twenty20 series 2022.
Bangladesh’s probable playing XI for the 3rd T20I of BAN vs ZIM Series 2022
Team Tigers is likely to make a couple of changes to the playing XI for the third match against Zimbabwe. One change is set to happen following Nurul Hasan Sohan's exclusion from the tour due to a finger injury. The team management may also include one additional spinner in the team given the fact that Zimbabwe struggled against the spinners in the second match. Here is the Bangladesh playing XI that could feature in the third T20I against Zimbabwe.
Litton Das
Litton has been in good touch with the bat, scoring the second-most 88 runs in the series so far with a 169.23 strike rate. He will play the anchor role for the Tigers in the final T20I.
Read Mosaddek to lead Bangladesh in 3rd T20I
Parvez Hossain Emon
Parvez Emon has the record for the fastest century in the T20 format among the Bangladeshi players. The left-hander has a bright future ahead of him. He can finally make his international debut for the national side in this match, especially after Munim Shahriar’s continuous failure with the bat.
Anamul Haque
Anamul Haque had a start in both the first and second T20I but couldn’t prolong the innings. Anamul’s strike rate was also disappointing. The right-hand top order is likely to be given another chance to showcase that he has the ability to perform on the international scene.
Najmul Hossain Shanto
Najmul Hossain played two decent knocks, including an important unbeaten 19*-run in the second contest. Najmul will play in the middle order in the third match.
Read BAN vs ZIM ODI Series 2022: What to expect from Bangladesh and squad preview
Afif Hossain
Afif is a fantastic talent and is currently one of the important middle-order batters in Tigers’ limited-overs side. He will have to play an important role in the third match just like he did in the second match.
Mahmudullah Riyad
Riyad will likely feature in the series-finale contest. His experience and ability to play big shots in the death overs will certainly help Bangladesh in the match.
Mosaddek Hossain (captain)
Captain Mosaddek picked up five wickets in the second match and his performance was the key factor for Bangladesh to level the series. The BCB has given Nurul the duty of leading the team in the third T20I as a reward for his great performance.
Read Nurul Hasan ruled out of Zimbabwe tour
Mahedi Hasan
Mahedi Hasan is an effective all-rounder. He can make important breakthroughs with the ball and can accelerate the run rate with the bat when needed.
Nasum Ahmed
Nasum Ahmed, a left-arm orthodox spinner, has been an integral part of Bangladesh’s T20 setup since last year. He can make the difference in the do-or-die contest on Tuesday as Zimbabwean batters are not well-equipped to face slower bowlers.
Mustafizur Rahman
Mustafizur Rahman is an automatic choice for Bangladesh’s T20 setup. He has picked up three wickets so far in the series but has been pretty expensive. He needs to be disciplined in line and length in order to be economical in the contest.
Read Bangladesh level series with comfortable win
Hasan Mahmud
Right-handed medium pacer Hasan Mahmud bowled better than the other two pacers. He was also more economical than both Mustafizur and Shoriful. The team management may include Hasan in the playing XI if two pacers are to play in the match.
Bottom Line
Mahmudullah Riyad’s inclusion in the squad has given confidence to the Bangladeshi players. Though Mahmudullah will not lead the team, he can certainly help Mosaddek with taking decisions in the key moments of the game. Two changes are predicted in Bangladesh’s playing XI for the third match in the BAN vs ZIM T20I Series 2022. In addition, picking three spinners for the contest could be an ideal decision for the visiting side to put pressure on the home side's batting line-up, who look shaky facing slower bowlers. Bangladesh have found some momentum after winning the second match, so they should feel confident to clinch the series.
Read Mosaddek takes five-wicket haul as Bangladesh look to bounce back against Zimbabwe
BAN vs ZIM ODI Series 2022: What to expect from Bangladesh and squad preview
Following the Twenty20 international series, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe will play a one-day international series. The BAN vs ZIM ODI Series 2022 is not a part of the ICC’s Cricket World Cup Super League, but it has importance for Bangladesh in order to organize the one-day squad for the mega event next year. Besides, captain Tamim Iqbal has a chance to set a new record if his team clinches the series. The expectations of the Bangladesh ODI team from this bilateral contest and their squad preview are discussed in this article.
Expectations from Bangladesh team in the 2022 ODI series against Zimbabwe
Bangladesh are only one win away from securing a spot in the ICC’s 50-over World Cup 2023. They won’t be able to achieve it in the upcoming bilateral contest as it is not a part of the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League. However, there are a few other things the team Tigers can expect to accomplish in the BAN vs ZIM ODI Series 2022.
ICC ODI Rankings
Bangladesh are currently sitting in seventh place in the ICC’s ODI rankings with 98 points. They are only 3 rating points behind Australia and South Africa, respectively. Bangladesh won’t be able to overcome either of the teams even if they whitewash Zimbabwe in the series. However, they can certainly close the gap in rating points if they clinch the series 3-0.
Read BAN vs ZIM T20I Series 2022: 3 challenges for Nurul Hasan as captain
Bangladesh’s rating points will be 99 if they win all the fixtures of the ODI series. But they will lose 3 rating points if they fail to win any of the fixtures. Moreover, Bangladesh can move down to the eight spot if Zimbabwe clinches the series 3-0. The visiting team cannot treat any match lightly in order to maintain a strong position in the ODI rankings of the International Cricket Council.
Captain Tamim Iqbal is getting close to setting a record
Bangladesh’s ODI captain, Tamim Iqbal, equaled Mashrafe Mortaza’s record after winning the West Indies series last month. Both Tamim and Mashrafe have won five straight bilateral ODI series as captains. Tamim Iqbal will now get a chance to better the record if Bangladesh win this series against Zimbabwe. This is a great opportunity for him to hold the record by himself.
Bangladesh’s five straight ODI series wins under Mashrafe Mortaza’s captaincy
Series
Result
Year
Bangladesh vs Pakistan ODI Series 2015
Bangladesh won the series by 3-0
April, 2015
Bangladesh vs India ODI Series 2015
Bangladesh won the series by 2-1
June, 2015
Bangladesh vs South Africa ODI Series 2015
Bangladesh won the series by 2-1
July, 2015
Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe ODI Series 2015
Bangladesh won the series by 3-0
November, 2015
Bangladesh vs Afghanistan ODI Series 2015
Bangladesh won the series by 2-1
September-October, 2016
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
Read Is the future of ODI cricket in jeopardy?
Bangladesh’s five straight ODI series wins under Tamim Iqbal’s captaincy
Series
Result
Year
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka ODI Series 2021
Bangladesh won the series by 2-1
May, 2022
Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe ODI Series 2021
Bangladesh won the series by 3-0
July, 2021
Bangladesh vs Afghanistan ODI Series 2022
Bangladesh won the series by 2-1
February, 2022
Bangladesh vs South Africa ODI Series 2022
Bangladesh won the series by 2-1
March, 2022
Bangladesh vs West Indies ODI Series 2022
Bangladesh won the series by 3-0
July, 2022
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
Notable approaching milestones for Bangladesh cricketers
Bangladesh cricketers can attain a few significant personal milestones during the 3-match BAN vs ZIM ODI Series 2022. These are the milestones that can be achieved during the forthcoming bilateral series.
5000 International Runs
Classical top order batter Litton Das is only 64 runs away from completing his 5,000 international runs for Bangladesh. He has 4,934 runs in 168 innings for Bangladesh.
Read BAN vs ZIM 2022: 5 Bangladeshi players who can capitalize on Zimbabwe series
8000 ODI Runs
In the Zimbabwe series, veteran opener Tamim Iqbal could become the first Bangladeshi batter to score 8,000 ODI runs. He has made 7,943 runs in 226 innings and only needs 57 runs to reach the milestone.
50 ODI fifties
Mr. Dependable Mushfiqur Rahim has 49 ODI fifties in 218 innings for Bangladesh. He is only one fifty shy of completing his 50 ODI fifties.
250 dismissals
Mushfiqur Rahim has 248 dismissals in the ODI format and needs only 2 more dismissals to complete 250.
Read ENG vs SA 2022: The T20I series a World Cup dress rehearsal
50 ODI matches
Right-arm medium pacer Taskin Ahmed is one match away from completing his 50 ODI appearances for Bangladesh.
Preview of Bangladesh's ODI squad
The BCB selectors named a 16-member ODI squad for the Zimbabwe series, excluding all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who has been given rest for the tour. Wicket-keeper Nurul Hasan was part of the squad but wouldn’t be available in the series after sustaining an injury to his left index finger while playing the second T20I against Zimbabwe.
Veteran middle-order batter Mushfiqur Rahim will make an international comeback after missing out on playing the West Indies series due to the Hajj pilgrimage. The young right-arm medium pacer Hasan Mahmud was included in the squad, who last featured against New Zealand in March 2021. Over the past 12 months, the talented pacer has experienced a variety of injuries.
Read Mosaddek takes five-wicket haul as Bangladesh look to bounce back against Zimbabwe
Bangladesh squad for the 2022 ODI series against Zimbabwe
Tamim Iqbal (captain), Litton Das, Anamul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Afif Hossain, Mosaddek Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Taijul Islam, Nasum Ahmed.
Top-order (batting)
Bangladesh have four alternatives for their top-order batting lineup, including skipper Tamim Iqbal. Among them, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Anamul Haque are fighting for a permanent place in the team. This 3-match series may well be Anamul’s last opportunity to showcase his talent once more on the international stage. Therefore, Anamul should seize the chance to obtain the selectors' affection.
Middle-order (batting)
Mushfiqur Rahim’s return to the squad will strengthen the Bangladesh middle-order. Besides, Riyad, Afif, and Mosaddek’s main responsibility will be to accelerate the run rates in the death overs. Young Afif has already proved his capability as a batter, but Mosaddek’s place in the Bangladesh national team setup has been a bit shaky. Mosaddek needs to make some vital contributions in the series to cement his place in the national side.
Read Bangladesh level series with comfortable win
Pace (bowling)
The selectors included four genuine pacers for the series, and all of them are capable match winners. Skipper Tamim Iqbal’s ideal picks would be Mustafizur, Taskin, and Shoriful. If Hasan Mahmud is given a chance and demonstrates his true potential, Tamim will face a dilemma when picking the top two pacers for the starting XI.
Spin (bowling)
For Zimbabwe, constructing a playing XI with two genuine spinners could be an ideal decision. That is why the selectors included three spinners – Taijul Islam, Nasum Ahmed, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. The off-spinner Miraz is a regular member of the ODI setup. Therefore, anyone between Taijul and Nasum will be picked for the playing XI. Both had commendable performances in the recent West Indies series and had a valid reason to be picked for the team.
Aftermath
Bangladesh’s recent ODI results have been pretty impressive, winning fifteen of twenty-one matches since last year. They have also won six out of seven ODI series since January 2021. In contrast, Zimbabwe have only won two matches out of twelve and haven’t won a series since January last year. As a result, Bangladesh will be a heavy favourite to win the upcoming BAN vs ZIM ODI Series 2022.
Read Nurul Hasan ruled out of Zimbabwe tour
Bangladesh level series with comfortable win
With a comfortable seven-wicket win, Bangladesh levelled the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe on Sunday at the Harare Sports Club. The third and final match of the series will take place on August 2 at the same venue.
Bangladesh lost the first match by 17 runs. They needed to bounce back in the second match in order to stay in the race of winning the series.
Mosadeek Hossain bagged five wickets conceding only 20 runs and set the stage for Bangladesh. Liton Das hit a fifty and Bangladesh win the match with seven wickets in hand.
Also read: Mosaddek takes five-wicket haul as Bangladesh look to bounce back against Zimbabwe
While chasing a moderate total of 135, Bangladesh reached the target in 17.3 overs. Afif Hossain and Najmul Hossain Shanot remained unbeaten for 30 and 19 respectively.
Earlier, Zimbabwe won the toss and opted to bat first. But they could not start as they did in the first match. Off the very first ball of the match, Mosaddek trapped Regis Chakabva for a duck. Captain Nurul Hasan Sohan took an easy catch behind the wicket.
After Chakabva, Mosaddek also removed Craig Ervine, Wesley Madhevere, Sean Williams and Milton Shumba. All of them were out for a single-digit run.
Also read: Zimbabwe opt to bat first in 2nd T20I
Mosaddek ended up taking five wickets for 20 runs— his best bowling figures in the format. And along the way, he became only the fourth Bangladeshi bowler to take five or more wickets in T20Is.
But Sikandar Raza stood like a wall in front of Bangladeshi bowlers. Before falling to Mustafizur Rahman, Raza scored 62 runs off 53 balls. And Ryan Burl was the second-highest runs taker for the hosts scoring 32 off 31 balls.
Eventually, Zimbabwe tumbled for 135 for eight in 20 overs. They demonstrated a great recovery despite Mosaddek’s show.
This win will be marked as the first win of Bangladesh under the leadership of Nurul Hasan Sohan who recently replaced Mahmudullah Riyad as the captain of Bangladesh in T20Is.
After the three-match T20 series, Bangladesh will take on the hosts in a three-match ODI series against the hosts starting on August 5. All the matches will be played at the Harare Sports Club.
Poor death over performance hands Bangladesh defeat in Harare
While Zimbabwe scored more than 70 runs in the last five overs, Bangladesh managed to score less than 50 runs there, and it made the difference between the two teams in the first match of the three-match T20I series on Saturday at Harare.
Bangladesh lost the match by 17 runs while chasing a big total of 205 runs. Bangladesh has won a T20I chasing 200 or more just once before.
Wesley Madhevere and Sikandar Raza hit a fifty each to guide the hosts to their huge total. In reply, Bangladesh tumbled to 188 for six in 20 overs and endured a defeat— their 20th T20I defeat in 33 matches in the last two years.
Also read: Bangladesh need 206 to win 1st T20 against Zimbabwe
Liton Das, Anamul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Nurul Hasan Sohan all had secured good starts, but none was able to guide the team to the victory. Except for Anamul, the rest of the others batted at a strike rate of more than 140. But they were bettered by the disciplined bowling by the hosts.
Captain Sohan remained unbeaten on 42 off 26 balls. He hit one four and four sixes.
For Zimbabwe, Luke Jongwe took two wickets. His best over was the 19th over when he conceded only four runs. Bangladesh needed 32 in the last two overs.
Also read: Bangladesh bowl first in T20I series opener
Earlier, Zimbabwe won the toss and opted to bat first. Zimbabwe lost their first wicket in just 15 runs on the board and another wicket when they were batting at 43 runs.
In the third wicket stand, Madhevere and Sean Williams added 56 runs off just 37 balls. After Williams fell for 33 off 19 balls, Raza joined Madhevere and added 91 runs in 43 balls. Bangladeshi bowlers failed to contain the runs against the host batters.
Mustafizur Rahman, the left-arm seamer, bagged two wickets but conceded 50 runs while Taskin Ahmed failed to grab any wickets but conceded 42 runs. The other pacer, Shoriful Islam, conceded 45 runs but couldn't get any wicket.
Sohan, the wicketkeeper-batter, was leading Bangladesh for the first time in this match. He replaced Mahmudullah Riyad after Bangladesh’s defeat to the West Indies in a recent T20I series. .
The second and third matches of the T20I series will take place on July 31 and August 2. All the matches will be played at the same venue— the Harare Sports Club.
Zimbabwe post highest T20I total vs Bangladesh
Riding on the outstanding batting display by Wessley Madhevere, Regis Chakabva and Ryan Burl, Zimbabwe posted 193 for five in 20 overs in the third and final T20I against Bangladesh on Sunday at the Harare Sports Club.
It is now the highest T20 total by Zimbabwe against Bangladesh. Their previous highest was 187 for six in 2016 what was notched up in Khulna.
In Sunday’s game, Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza won the toss and opted to bat first.
Also read: Zimbabwe restore parity in T20 series
Openers Tadiwanashe Marumani and Madhevere added 63 runs in just 5.6 overs. In the fourth over of the innings, Madhevere struck five fours off Taskin Ahmed. Madhevere took only 13 balls to score his first 30 runs.
Before falling out by Mohammad Saifuddin, Marumani scored 27 off 20 balls. Madhevere was doing some damage at the other end of the wicket.
Regis Chakabva was more destructive than Madhevere. He struck 48 off 22 balls with six sixes. Soumya Sarkar managed a breakthrough for the Tigers removing Chakabva and Sikandar Raza in the same over.
Also read: BAN vs. ZIM 2021: T20I Series Finale Review
But that was not enough to wrap Zimbabwe in something less than 150 or 160 runs.
Ryan Burl did the final damage scoring 31 off 15 balls with three fours and two sixes.
It was a nightmarish outing for the Bangladesh bowlers. Saifuddin conceding 50 runs in four overs and bagged only a wicket. Nasum Ahmed, who got a chance in the XI for the first time in this series, conceded 37 runs.
Soumya was the best bowler for Bangladesh taking two wickets conceding 19 runs in three overs.
Bangladesh won the first match of the three-match series, but the hosts made a good comeback in the second. So the third match became the final of the series.
BAN vs Zim 2021: BCB May Use the Zimbabwe Series as an Opportunity to Find New Talents
Bangladesh team is scheduled to depart the country at the end of June to play a bilateral series in Zimbabwe. There is widespread skepticism on whether the series will eventually take place as planned as there has been a nationwide lockdown in Zimbabwe due to the coronavirus. However, the cricket boards of both countries are confident that the series will be held as scheduled. The tour will kick off with the one-off Test. Senior Bangladeshi cricketers may be unavailable for the tour. The BCB may use the Zimbabwe series as an opportunity to find new talents which have been discussed in this article.
Five Players Who Could Get an Opportunity in Zimbabwe Series
Bangladesh have a number of excellent young cricketers who have the potential to play on a regular basis for the national team in the future. This article discusses five cricketers who are doing well in the ongoing DPL T20 tournament. It should be noted that changes to the Test and ODI formats squads are unlikely. However, some changes can be seen in the T20 squad.
Munim Shahriar
Abahani Ltd’s middle-order batsman Munim Shahriar has impressed everyone with his aggressive batting style in the ongoing Dhaka Premier Divison T20 Cricket League. The 23-year-old right-handed batsman has scored 243 runs at a fantastic strike rate of 150 in nine matches for Abahani. The Bangladesh Cricket Board is on the hunt for such a batsman in the lower middle order. Munim could be a long-term solution for Bangladesh to accelerate run rates in the death overs.
Read BAN vs AUS 2021: Australia Announce Squad For The Bangladesh T20 Series
MahmudulHasan Joy
MahmudulHasan was a standout performer for the U19 World Cup-winning team. This 20-year-old right-handed batsman is an important player for Old DOHS Sports Club in the DPL 2021. Mahmudul has 367 runs at a strike rate of 127.87 in 11 matches, making him one of the season's leading run-scorers. Mahmudullah is a capable top-order batsman with the potential to become a genuine superstar cricketer.
Tanzid HasanTamim
The Bangladesh Cricket Board selectors believe Tanzid HasanTamim will one day take the place of veteran Tamim Iqbal on the national side. This 20-year-old left-handed opener is one of Bangladesh's most promising young cricketers. He has been outstanding with the bat in the ongoing T20 tournament. Tanzid has made 295 runs at a strike rate of 108.85 in 11 outings for Shinepukur Cricket Club.
Read BAN vs. ZIM Series 2021: Key ODI Records Between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe
RakibulHasan
18-year-old left-arm orthodox spinner RakibulHasan was a key member of the U19 World Cup-winning team. He has the natural ability to get breakthroughs when needed. Rakibul has 14 wickets with a remarkable 5.71 economy rate in 11 games for Old DOHS Sports Club in the ongoing domestic T20 competition. Without a doubt, Rakibul has a bright future ahead of him.
Tanvir Islam
24-year-old left-arm orthodox spinner Tanvir Islam has been in exceptional form in the Dhaka Premier League T20 2021 for Shinepukur Cricket Club. He has taken 20 wickets at a fantastic 4.79 economy rate in 11 matches. Tanvir Islam has earned the right to play for the national team after a string of solid performances.
The Bangladesh team will be quarantined for one day after arriving in Zimbabwe on June 29. Team Tigers will play a Test, three ODIs, and three T20Is during the tour.
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Series fixture
7-11 July: Only Test (Bulawayo) | 16 July: 1st ODI (Harare) | 18 July: 2nd ODI (Harare) | 20 July: 3rd ODI (Harare) | 23 July: 1st T20I (Harare) | 25 July: 2nd T20I (Harare) | 27 July: 3rd T20I (Harare)
Source: https://www.cricbuzz.com
Verdict
The BCB may deploy a few uncapped players in the squad aiming to find new talents during the Zimbabwe series. If this is the case then it is good news for Bangladesh cricket and youngsters who will get the opportunity. It will not be possible for the four most experienced players in Bangladesh, Shakib, Tamim, Mushfiqur, and Mahmudullah to continue playing regularly in all formats of the game in the near future. The BCB must now seek out suitable replacements.
With this in mind, the cricket board may use the Zimbabwe tour to find new talents. This will provide them an opportunity to play outside the country, and the newcomers will have a better chance of playing well because Zimbabwe are a relatively weak team.
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