Brendan Taylor to lead, with Zimbabwe set to make a slew of changes
Big Picture
The one-off Test in Harare wasn’t part of the World Test Championship, neither are the T20Is at the end of the tour of any particular consequence. But these three ODIs carry much more significance for both sides. They are part of the ICC ODI Super League, and points are at stake. Bangladesh are in second position with 50 points while Zimbabwe languish at the very bottom with ten points – although they have had four ODI series postponed due to the pandemic.
Ryan Burl too returns from a knee injury, while the selectors have also named Tadiwanashe Marumani, Dion Myers and Milton Shumba in the ODI squad. Myers and Shumba played the Harare Test.
Form guide
Bangladesh LWWLL (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Zimbabwe WLLLL
In the spotlight
For Zimbabwe to threaten Bangladesh, Brendan Taylor will have to play a defining role in the ODI series. He blasted the visitors’ bowlers in his 81 and 92 in the Harare Test, showing his ability to get into a higher gear when the need arises.
Ever since Mahmudullah announced his retirement from Tests, there has been little talk about his unbeaten 150 in the one-off Test. He is also in good ODI form, having struck two fifties against Sri Lanka in May, and four overall in 2021. In Rahim’s absence, much of the late-order batting will fall on Mahmudullah’s shoulders.
Team news
Iqbal and Rahman have injury concerns, while Bangladesh have a vacancy at No 4 due to Rahim’s withdrawal. For that wickekeeper-batter’s spot, Bangladesh have Liton Das, Mohammad Mithun and Nurul Hasan as wicketkeeping options. Mohammad Saifuddin and Rubel Hossain are options if Rahman isn’t fit.
Bangladesh (probable): 1 Tamim Iqbal (capt), 2 Mohammad Naim, 3 Liton Das (wk), 4 Shakib Al Hasan, 5 Mosaddek Hossain, 6 Mahmudullah, 7 Afif Hossain, 8 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 9 Mohammad Saifuddin, 10 Taskin Ahmed, 11 Shoriful Islam/Mustafizur Rahman
Zimbabwe have to make at least five changes as Brian Chari, Chamu Chibhabha, Craig Ervine, Sean Williams and Tendai Chisoro are all out of the squad. Tinashe Kamunhukamwe and Tadiwanashe Marumani are openers while Myers impressed on his Test debut last week. Ryan Burl, Regis Chakabva n Timycen Maruma are among the middle-order candidates.
Zimbabwe (probable): 1 Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, 2 Tadiwanashe Marumani, 3 Dion Myers, 4 Brendan Taylor (capt & wk), 5 Wesley Madhevere, 6 Sikandar Raza, 7 Ryan Burl, 8 Donald Tiripano, 9 Richard Ngarava, 10 Blessing Muzarabani, 11 Tendai Chatara
Pitch and conditions
The side batting first will have to counter early seam movement, but otherwise the pitch is going to be batting-friendly. The forecast suggests there’s a slight chance of rain in the afternoon.
Stats and trivia
Quotes
“Shakib is of such a level, he can turn around in any situation, whether it is with his batting, bowling or fielding. It is normal for players to go through ups and downs. We have keep believing in them. I am sure he will come back to score runs and pick up wickets. He is that kind of a player.”
Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal is not worried about Shakib Al Hasan’s recent form.
Mohammad Isam is ESPNcricinfo’s Bangladesh correspondent. @isam84