Bangladesh begin T20 World Cup preparations with tri-series

Overview

Bangladesh v Zimbabwe, 1st T20I
Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur
Friday, 13 September, 06:30pm local, 12:30pm GMT

After a 224-run loss to Afghanistan in the only Test, Bangladesh need to put behind that disappointment and turn up in a totally different mood when they take on Zimbabwe in the first Twenty20 International of a tri-nation series also involving the team that just beat them. They have made as many as six changes to the squad that played in the West Indies series last year. Notable absentees include Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rubel Hossain, Mohammad Mithun and Tamim Iqbal [who continues to be on a break].

They've recalled Mohammad Saifuddin, who was out with a back injury sustained during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019. Keeping their focus on young players, who are being groomed for the next year's T20 World Cup, the hosts have also given fast bowlers Yeasin Arafat and Taijul Islam their maiden T20I call-ups.

Zimbabwe, on the other hand, will be keen prove their case after a particularly tough time back home over the last few months. They will be missing the services of senior all-rounder Sikandar Raza, who has been suspended for indiscipline.

The African side had a positive start to their tour, defeating a Bangladesh Cricket Board XI in a practice match on Wednesday, 11 September. Their bowlers were economical and restricted the hosts to a modest 142. A strong batting effort, led by Brendan Taylor (57*), Hamilton Masakadza (31) and Timycen Maruma (46*) then chased down the total with 16 balls to spare. Zimbabwe need more of those performances if they are to reverse a trend of one win in 12 T20Is since the start of 2018.

Remember the last time

Zimbabwe toured Bangladesh for a three ODIs and two Tests in October/November last year. While the visitors lost all their matches on the tour, they produced some good performances with both bat and ball. Sean Williams, who scored 226 runs while being dismissed just once in three innings, and Brendan Taylor, whose 155 runs came at 51.66, led Zimbabwe's batting charts in the ODIs, while Kyle Jarvis was the pick of the bowlers, with five wickets in three games. This will be the first time these two teams meet in the shortest format since 2015-16, when a two-match series ended in a draw.

What they said

Lalchand Rajput, Zimbabwe coach:"In cricket, the bottom line is performance. It's a good platform for us, that we are getting to play. We have got a nice mix of young and experienced players, and they are hungry. They want to perform, and this is the best platform."

Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh captain: "I am not even mentally prepared to lead in Tests and T20s. But the team is not in a good shape, so I understand that I have to lead to get it back on track. Otherwise, I am not really interested in leading in any format. I can focus on myself if I am not captaining, which would help the team. I want to see the younger lot take responsibility."

ConditionsRain disrupted the Test last week, and similar weather conditions will be prevalent on Friday. However, the chances of a thunderstorm diminish as the day progresses and the evening is mostly expected to be cloudy. Bangladesh have won only one of their last four T20Is in Mirpur, their last win coming in December 2018, when they beat West Indies.