BAN Vs ZIM, 1st T20I | Playing 11 Prediction, Cricket Tips, Preview & Live Streaming

BAN and ZIM will cross roads in Chittagong [X.com]

The first T20I of their five-game series between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe is scheduled to take place at Chittagong's Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on Friday, May 3rd. 

For Bangladesh, this series serves as a platform to fine-tune their squad for the T20 World Cup. With most key players included, it's likely that this selection will mirror their final squad for the tournament in the West Indies and USA. 

On the other hand, Zimbabwe, having missed out on qualification, see this series as an opportunity to show how good they are in the shortest format.

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BAN vs ZIM: Team Previews

Bangladesh

The home team has the advantage of having most of their first-choice players available for selection. Najmul Hossain Shanto stands out as a key player to watch in the batting department, particularly in the crucial batting positions within the lineup. 

Bangladesh are expected to experiment with these positions throughout the series, presenting an opportunity for players to showcase their skills.

With a deep and formidable batting lineup, Bangladesh pose a significant challenge to the Zimbabwe bowlers, especially those with limited experience in subcontinental conditions.

However, Bangladesh will miss the services of Shakib Al Hasan due to other commitments. His absence, along with that of a Mustafizur Rahman could potentially hinder their chances to secure an early lead in the five-match series.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe welcome Sikandar Raza back to their squad, who will also captain the team after his stint with the Punjab Kings. Raza's all-round abilities make him a significant asset for the team, contributing with both bat and ball. 

Craig Ervine and Brian Bennett are expected to feature in the top order, building on their good form from the previous series.

Raza, Ervine, and Bennett along with Sean Williams strengthen the batting group. With a batting lineup as deep as their opponents, Zimbabwe possess several players capable of scoring quick runs, particularly in the death overs. 

The lethal duo of Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava forms a formidable pace attack for Zimbabwe, adding depth and quality to their squad, posing a potential threat to any opponent.

BAN Vs ZIM: Match details & Live Streaming

BAN Vs ZIM: Chattogram Pitch Report

Compared to other venues in Bangladesh, this stadium tends to produce relatively high-scoring matches. There will be enough assistance for the spinners, while the pacers will rely more on cutters and variations to succeed here. Considering it's the first game of the series here, expect the toss-winner to bowl first. 

BAN Vs ZIM: Probable Playing XIs

Bangladesh: Litton Das (wk), Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib

Zimbabwe: Craig Ervine, Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza (c), Sean Williams, Johnathan Campbell, Ryan Burl, Clive Madande (wk), Luke Jongwe, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava

BAN Vs ZIM: Fantoss Fantasy Tips

BAN Vs ZIM: Winner Prediction

The homeground advantage will carry significant weight, particularly for visiting teams unaccustomed to playing in subcontinental conditions. Our prediction leans towards Bangladesh to clinch the series opener.

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