Bangladesh after a bit of dilemma has announced 15-member ODI squad for the first two matches of the three matches ODI series retaining Mashrafe as the captain. Given the absence of Shakib Al Hasan for unfortunate reasons and still appreciating the hunger for of playing International cricket of the most successful charismatic captain of Bangladesh there was very little option for BCB. Mashrafe did not play any international matches after his not too impressive performance in CWC 2019. Looking into the long term future and giving the demand for perfect fitness in competitive cricket this may be the last series Mashrafe will be appearing. Sensing that cricket admirers of Bangladesh must be ready for giving its hero a befitting send off at Sylhet Divisional stadium on 6th March 2020. Hope the great ambassador of Bangladesh would realise that its twilight time of his chequered cricket career. He must sign off in glory. 
Given the relative strength of two teams and rankings this series must be a cake walk for Bangladesh. 

Bangladesh Sqaud For the First Two ODI:
Mashrafe Mortaza (Capt), Tamim Iqbal, Nazmul Hossain, Mahmudullah Riyad, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Mithun, Liton Das, Taijul Islam, Afif Hossain, Mohammad Naim, Al Amin Hossain, Mohammad Saifuddin, Shafiul Islam, Mehidy Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman.

People may talk a bit about no including Soumya Sarkar and Taskin Ahmed in the squad. Soumya has just married and non in touch with cricket for a while. Taskin is just getting back into stride. He is possibly being made ready for test. Otherwise the squad looks perfect and the best of the inform available players. If Bangladesh manages winning the first two matches may be in the third it should give some taste of international matches to couple of players of Under19 team. 

Bangladesh badly needs flamboyant Tamim Iqbal getting into his brilliant best. He is OK now what he is doing. But Bangladesh needs him giving the team flying start along with rookie Mohammad Naim. Naim is powerful striker of ball and his carefree batting would let Tamim leverage to reappear in his own belligerent form. We are not sure whether Nazmul Hossain or Afif would bat at three. One is a natural stroke player, the other has sound defense as  great array of strokes. It will be better letting the inform Nazmul bat at three. Mashrafe may think letting Mahmudullah a go at four where the veteran played during ICC World Cup 2015. Otherwise Mr Dependable Mushfique is the most ideal batsman for four. We would suggest playing Afif at five, Mithun/Liton at six and Saifuddin at seven. This middle order can produce match winning scores if one of the top order stays at the wicket. Mehedy, Mashrafe, Shaiful/Al Amin and  Mustafiz should complete the playing XI. I would suggest appearing with three pacers, Saifuddin and Miraj as all rounder. If necessary Afif and Mahmudullah can bowl few overs.

What has been seen in warm up match and the test the Zimbabweans lack depth and diversity in bowling resources. But that does not mean that Bangladesh should take them lightly at all. Players must put their best for making the possible farewell series of the most adorable captain a grand occasion. 

ICC Test Ranking (Prior to Bangladesh Vs Zimbabwe Test)

Bangladesh winning the test against Zimbabwe may not alter the ranking much. But if Bangladesh manages to win test against higher ranked Pakistan it can close in with the next higher ranked West Indies. But that will need lots of improvement of Bangladesh in all three departments of the game. 

ICC ODI Ranking 

Again winning the ODI series against Zimbabwe even by 3-0 would have marginal impact but even losing a match against them would harm Bangladesh as Sri Lanka and West Indies are not lagging much behind.

Again we like to mention that we must all appreciate none remains indispensable for anything forever. Circumstances alter cases.  Mashrafe has done a huge lot for establishing the Bangladesh cricket brightly in world sporting forum. But its time to give his badly bruised and battered knees over deserved rest.  He will ever remain a source for inspiration for cricket and cricketers in Bangladesh. As member of the parliament he can still contribute a lot for the future cricket generation of Bangladesh.

BDST: 1346 HRS, FEB 26, 2020
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