Bangladesh to face Zimbabwe today

Yeasin Hasan: The hosts Bangladesh will face Zimbabwe with a lot of confidence in their first ODI of a three-match day-night series at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Once upon a time there was media hype centering victory against Zimbabwe. But, the time has changed now. A favorable environment is going in Bangladesh. Victory becomes a regular matter here now. May be that’s why there is no extra tension in cricket sector following the upcoming series against Zimbabwe.



The continuous achievement in Bangladesh cricket caused the situation. The team of skipper Mashrafe is showing mastery in ODIs. Bangladesh have beaten Zimbabwe in their last 10 ODIs at home ground. Zimbabwe's last win at the venue against Bangladesh came in December 2010, and Bangladesh have started improving since then. So, undoubtedly it can be said that Bangladesh is favorite team in the three match series.

Today's match will begin at 2:30pm (Bangladesh time). The Tigers will play the series without dashing opener Tamim Iqbal and all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan.



Despite not having two senior dependable players, Tigers captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza expressed optimism before the start of the series as he said, “We are confident. We hope for the win.”



On the contrary, Zimbabwe, who performed particularly poorly in South Africa, will look to the returning all-rounder Sikandar Raza to provide the team with some balance. It is likely that he will replace Elton Chigumbura or Brandon Mavuta, depending on the conditions. Zimbabwe will try their level best to do better against host Bangladesh.


risingbd/Dhaka/Oct 21, 2018/Yeasin/Nasim