The three matches ODI series part of ICC ODI Super League between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe takes off today at Harare Zimbabwe. Bangladesh ranked 7th in ICC ODI ranking starts firm favorite against 13th ranked home team despite of teams premiere batsman Mushfiqur Rahim (miss the series for personal reasons) and leading bowler Mustafiz for different reasons are unavailable today for the first match.
Bangladesh won all the last 16 matches played in Bangladesh. This will be first ODI plays in Zimbabwe since 2013. On relative strength and recent performances Bangladesh is clear favorite and on business as usual should achieve series white wash. But in ODI on a given day anything can happen any day. Only the other day Ireland rocked strong South Africa. On Harare wicket Zimbabwe is a difficult team especially in limited over white ball cricket. Bangladesh has to produce its A match to win.
Home team delayed till the last minute to announce its 16-member squad keeping Bangladesh guessing. However, the squad is still without Sean Williams and S Ervine not yet ready after Isolation for COVID infection of family members. However, the return of all rounder Sikandar Raza and experienced pacer Tendai Chatara has added spices to their reasonably strong ODI squad.
Squads.
Zimbabwe:
Brendan Taylor (C), Ryan Buri, Tendai Chatara, Regis Chakava, Luke Jongwe, Tinashe Kamunkamwe, Wesley Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tomycene Maruma, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Meyers, Richard Ngarva, Sikandar Raza, Milton Shumba and Donald Tiripano.
Bangladesh:
Tamim Iqbal (c), Liton K Das, Mohammad Mithun, Mohammad Naim, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah Riad, Afif Hossain, Mosaddek Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Mehidy Miraj, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Taijul Islam, Rubel Hossain and Shorful Islam.
Tamim, Shakib and Mahmudullah are three of the most experienced international cricketers still active in cricket. Their wealth of experience places Bangladesh well ahead of the home side. Mushfique had to return home for unfortunate situation of his parents getting COVID infection. He will be missed without any doubt. But presence of Liton, Mithun and Mosaddeq should cover for him. Mustafiz developed unfortunate injury during practice match. There also inform Taskin, rookie Shoriful and all rounder Saifuddin should cover. But the key will be with all round performance of star Shakib Al Hasan. He not only would have to bowl well but also needs to produce his match winning batting. Tamim is not 100 percent match fit. Performance of Mahmudullah would also be important. His surprised retirement from red ball cricket should not in any way affect his all round performance. With Mosaddeq and Saifuddin available for batting at late order Mahmudullah should bat at top order.
Toss will be important on this wicket for the day match as wicket tends assisting pace attack early on. Team winning would bowl taking that advantage. Bangladesh should be extremely careful if asked to bat. Would suggest opening with Tamim and Liton. Riad can bat at three letting Shakib bat at four. Would suggest including Nurul Hasan Sohan in the team. At this moment Sohan is the best wicket keeper .He is also a more than useful late middle order batsman. This is the best opportunity to bring him back to the team.
Whatever be the case Bangladesh must try and win all three matches. 30 points would consolidate the position for safe passage for automatic qualification for 2023 ICC world cup. But it would not be easy. Bangladesh must not relax.
BDST: 1130 HRS, JULY 16, 2021
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