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Captain Tamim Iqbal’s knee injury remains a concern for Bangladesh
Big picture
Zimbabwe are hoping to pull off at least 10 points from the ODI series against Bangladesh, while the visitors wouldn’t want to miss as they did against Sri Lanka in May. It’s a critical time in the ICC ODI Super League for both teams with bigger challenges to come later in the year.
Shakib’s innings, however, covered the growing cracks in Bangladesh’s batting order. Tamim Iqbal’s knee injury is cause for concern while Liton Das, who scored a century in the first ODI, only recently found a few points in whiteball cricket. Mohammad Mithun and Mosaddek Hossain have been below average this year, compounding Bangladesh’s problems without Mushfiqur Rahim in the middle range. Mahmudullah, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mohammad Saifuddin had to put out the fire in the two ODIs in Harare.
At least part of Bangladesh’s plan – having one of the top hitters play for the majority of innings – is working.
Zimbabwe don’t have too many experienced players like Shakib or Mahmudullah to bail them out on several occasions, but they would still feel encouraged by Wesley Madhevere’s performance in Sunday’s ODI. Sent in the middle order, Madhevere beat with freedom, chasing Taskin Ahmed, while also tackling rotation well. He has now scored a fifty in each of his three ODI series since his debut last year. Madhevere is also a sharp fielder, exemplified by his focused grip, and a neat and precise offbreak pitcher.
Form Guide
(last five games completed)
Bangladesh WWLWW
Zimbabwe LIGHT
In the spotlight
Sikandar Raza provided Zimbabwe with a much needed comprehensive option in the second ODI. He played with a practical 30 before delivering six overs of his offspin with Afif Hossain’s wicket. He even dived to his left to take a sharp blow to ward off Tamim Iqbal.
Choreographic IslamCarrying four wickets in the second ODI was the big performance he needed since his international debut earlier this year. Islam got awards for playing with a more consistent line and length.
Team news
Captain Tamim Iqbal appeared to be embarrassed by his knee in the last game, which could worry team management.
Bangladesh (probable): 1 Tamim Iqbal (capt), 2 Liton Das (week), 3 Shakib Al Hasan, 4 Mohammad Mithun, 5 Mosaddek Hossain, 6 Mahmudullah, 7 Afif Hossain, 8 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 9 Mohammad Saifuddin, 10 Taskin Ahmed, 11 Shriful Islam
Zimbabwe’s improved performance in the second ODI could allow it to stick to the same XI.
Zimbabwe (probable): 1 Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, 2 Tadiwanashe Marumani, 3 Regis Chakabva (week), 4 Brendan Taylor (capt), 5 Dion Myers, 6 Wesley Madhevere, 7 Sikandar Raza, 8 Luke Jongwe, 9 Blessing Muzarabani, 10 Tendai Chatara, 11 Richard Ngarava
Location and conditions
The pitch was slower in the previous game, but it will still have some help for the crimps in the first hour, before flattening out for the rest of the day. The weather should be mostly cold and dry.
Statistics and anecdotes
Mohammad Isam is ESPNcricinfo’s correspondent in Bangladesh. @ isam84
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