Bangladesh v Zimbabwe 1st Test Prediction

Team Bangladesh will take over Zimbabwe in three Test series with an anticipation of improving their record against the tourists. Two sides commenced their rivalry in the longer version of the game in 2000-01 when the Bengal Tigers visited Zimbabwe. The first Test was held at Bulawayo from April 19-22 that was won by the home side by a vast margin of an innings and 32 runs. The last one was played at Harare from April 25-29, 2013 and the visitors clinched that by 143 runs. Both sides have faced each other 11 times, Zimbabwe won six lost two and three of them were drawn. The hosts carry a better record at home since they have beaten the tourists once, surrendered once and two of them ended in a draw. Bangladesh recently lost two Tests home series against Sri Lanka 0-1 and were crushed by the Caribbeans in West Indies 0-2 whereas Zimbabwe drew two Tests series vs. Pakistan at 1-1 but lost the only Test against South Africa at their own soil by nine wickets.

Players to watch

The batting of the Bengal Tigers will revolve around Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mominul Haque, Shamsur Rahman and Mahmudullah. Shakib Al Hasan is one of the best all-rounders in the world while they have a balanced bowling side that consists of Shahadat Hussian, Al-Amin Hossain, Rubel Hossain and Taijul Islam.

Craig Ervine played an unbeaten innings of 85 for Zimbabweans vs. BCB XI in the tour match, Sikandar Raza, Elton Chigumbura, Hamilton Masakadza and Craig Ervine tasted a few runs while Brendan Taylor and Malcolm Waller are their handy batsmen. Natsai M’shangwe and Tafadzwa Kamungozi picked up four and three wickets respectively whereas Shingi Masakadza, Elton Chigumbura and Wellington Masakadza are fine bowlers.

Time & Venue

Saturday, October 25 – Wednesday October 29, 2014 @ 04:00 GMT, 10:00 local at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur. The venue with a capacity of 25,000 was established in 2006 and hosted quite a few national and international matches.

Weather

A mixture of sunshine and clouds with the temperatures around 21-31ᵒC.

Toss

The winning captain will prefer to bat first.

The Pitch

The wicket is suitable for batting, will assist the quality bowlers and especially the spinners will get more out of it.

Teams

Bangladesh – Mushfiqur Rahim (C), Tamim Iqbal, Al-Amin Hossain, Jubair Hossain, Mahmudullah, Marshall Ayub, Mominul Haque, Rubel Hossain, Shafiul Islam, Shahadat Hossain, Shamsur Rahman, Shakib Al Hasan, Shuvagata Hom, Taijul Islam.

Zimbabwe – Brendan Taylor (C), Regis Chakabva, Brian Chari, Tendai Chatara, Elton Chigumbura, Craig Ervine, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Hamilton Masakadza, Shingi Masakadza, Wellington Masakadza, Natsai M’shangwe, Richmond Mutumbami, John Nyumbu, Tinashe Panayangara, Vusi Sibanda, Sikandar Raza, Malcolm Waller.

Prediction

Bangladesh will give tough time to the visitors and looks favourite to win the opening encounter.