Bangladesh bid for third successive tri-series victory

Overview

Bangladesh v Zimbabwe
Dhaka
5th match, tri-series, 06:00 GMT

Bangladesh recorded their biggest victory in ODI cricket on Friday, defeating Sri Lanka by 163 runs in the tri-series tournament in Dhaka, as the hosts' star players – namely Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan, Rubel Hossain and Mashrafe Mortaza – came to the party. Bangladesh have claimed two formidable victories in their opening two encounters, having dispatched Zimbabwe by eight wickets in the opening fixture, while Sri Lanka succumbed to their second successive defeat.

However, a Thisara Perera-inspired Sri Lanka blasted out Zimbabwe for 198 when the two sides met on Sunday, before Dinesh Chandimal shepherded home a stilted chase with five wickets and 31 balls to spare. It was Sri Lanka’s first win of 2018 – a blessing for the neutral as it means all three sides remain in contention for the final, with two matches still to play before the ultimate showdown. Thus, this Monday’s encounter between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, which could have been a dead rubber, will take on more meaning.

Bangladesh have been on top form and will provide a stiff challenge for Zimbabwe. Opener Tamim Iqbal is the leading run-scorer in the series, with 186 runs and the same average. He’s scored 84 twice – one undefeated – while seam bowlers Mashrafe Mortaza (economy rate: 3.23), Mustafizur Rahman (3.26) and Rubel Hossain (4.25) have been very economical on home soil, meaning opposing batsmen have needed to kick-on against spin, which has played into Shakib’s hands.

Key players

Shakib Al Hasan

Shakib has picked up two three-fors – including 3/43 in his last outing against Sri Lanka – in this tri-series so far. He has also notched 104 runs at 52, with his 67 on Friday providing the highlight. He's been showing the adoring public why he is ranked just a smidgen behind Mohammad Hafeez in the ICC ODI All-Rounder Ratings.

Sikandar Raza

Pakistan-born Sikandar Raza has racked up 142 runs in three matches, with his 81* against the hosts on the opening game of the tournament being the highlight. The 31-year-old right-handed batsman gifts balance to Zimbabwe, providing useful forays in the middle order along with his tidy off-spin. Raza is the tournament's third highest run-scorer.

Conditions

Where on Wednesday, Zimbabwe's spinners were vital in the victory over Sri Lanka, neither Sikandar Raza nor Graeme Cremer could make a breakthrough on Sunday. Indeed, of the seven who have taken four wickets or more in this series, Shakib is the lone spinner.

Thisara Perera’s short ball proved effective on Sunday, dismissing Masakadza, Solomin Mire and Brendan Taylor with short-pitched deliveries on his way to 4-33 – his best figures since 2012. With that said, Tamim and Shakib pulled and plundered a number of boundaries through the square-leg and mid-wicket region against the Sri Lankans on Friday – so Zimbabwe may think twice before deploying the same tactic against the hosts.

The weather is expected to be sunny and humid (79 per cent humidity) with temperatures rising to 16°C.

Teams

Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal, Anamul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudulla, Sabbir Rahman, Mashrafe Mortaza (c), Nasir Hossain, Mohammad Saifuddin, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman

Sri Lanka: Hamilton Masakadza, Solomon Mire, Craig Ervine, Brendan Taylor (wk), Sikandar Raza, Malcolm Waller, Peter Moor, Graeme Cremer(c), Kyle Jarvis, Tendai Chatara, Blessing Muzarabani