Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh, ZIM vs BAN, Today Match Prediction 20 July 2021

zim vs ban Match Prediction & Analysis

It is yet another instance of a series defeat in two straight games for Zimbabwe. The side which has been struggling to find its foot won the 2nd game of the 3-Match series by 3 wickets. The hosts would be extremely upset at having let an opportunity to level the series slip by their hands. They would have to regroup and play well in the final game. 

Zimbabwe have had an extremely poor record against Bangladesh in this format of the game and have lost the last 17 games between the two sides with their last win coming back in 2013. The side is relatively inexperienced and would have an uphill challenge in this game. Bangladesh on the other hand would be riding high on confidence and it will be interesting to see if the Zimbabweans are able to surprise the visitors.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Zimbabwe Preview

It was near yet too far for Brendon Taylor’s side in the last game. They had caught the Bangladeshis by the throat with quick wickets but couldn’t finish the game as they would have liked. Having already lost the series, Taylor would like to see an improved effort from his players here and finish with a win ahead of the T20 series. 

It is the opening pair that has failed the side in two games, and they would need a good start from Tinashe Kamunhukamwe and Tadiwanashe Marumani. Regis Chakabva is scoring runs and has to build partnerships with Taylor and Dion Myers in this game. Down the order they have good hitters in Wesley Madhevere and Sikandar Raza and both these players would be high on confidence after their good show in the previous game. 

Blessing Muzarabani is the most experienced bowler in the side and shall have to pick early wickets along with Tendai Chatara for the side to trouble the strong Bangladeshi batting line-up. Richard Ngarava did well in the 2nd game and has to keep the scoring rate under control along with Raza, Madhevere and Luke Jongwe. 

Zimbabwe Predicted Playing XI:

Brendan Taylor (c), Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Regis Chakabva (wk), Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza, Wesley Madhevere, Luke Jongwe, Tendai Chatara, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava

Zimbabwe Actual Playing XI:

BRM Taylor, Dion Myers, Regis Chakabva, Sikandar Raza, Blessing Muzarabani, Ryan Burl, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wesley Madhevere, Donald Tiripano, Tendai Chatara, Luke Jongwe

Bangladesh Preview

Tamim Iqbal’s side did get a scare in the last game with a middle order collapse, but Shakib al Hasan brought his experience to play and helped the side to a win. They have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series and shall look to go for the kill and whitewash the hosts ahead of the T20 series.     

Tamim Iqbal and Liton Das are an experienced pair and the side would look for a good show from them in this game. Shakib al Hasan is an experienced customer and he showed his skills in the last game and shall aim to steer the middle overs along with Mohammad Mithun and Mosaddek Hossain. Mahmudullah, Afif Hossain and Mehidy Hasan add good hitting power to this batting line-up. 

Taskin Ahmed and Mohammad Saifuddin would look to exploit the weaknesses that Zimbabwe have at the top. Shoriful Islam’s 4 wickets in the last game would give him lot of confidence. The presence of Shakib and Mehidy Hasan in the attack and their experience tilts this game in favor of the Bangladeshis. 

Bangladesh Predicted Playing XI:

Tamim Iqbal (c), Liton Das (wk), Shakib Al Hasan, Mohammad Mithun, Mosaddek Hossain, Mahmudullah, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam

Bangladesh Actual Playing XI:

Mosaddek Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Mohammad Mithun, Mahmudullah, Liton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman, Mohammad Saifuddin, Taskin Ahmed, Tamim Iqbal, Afif Hossain

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The skies over Harare would be clear on July 20. The wicket has been a tough one to bat on in the two games as the ball hasn’t come on to the bat nicely. Spinners have troubled the batsmen using the slowness of the surface. The side that bats first in this game would be happy with a score of 300 runs and above.

Venue Details

Harare Sports Club is known for having a slow surface where the batsmen have to get their eyes set in to do well. The large outfield also creates lesser boundary scoring opportunities for the side. There is early assistance for the fast bowlers, but it is the spinners who have done well on this surface in the past.

Toss: To Bat

The surface has looked good to bat on in the two games that have been played. It has got slower in the second innings and resulted in sides struggling to chase scores. Both the captains would have this in their mind and the side winning the toss should have no hesitation in batting first.