Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe 1st Test Prediction, Betting Tips and Match Preview

Erstwhile the class of the minnows, Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe still commands a certain amount of almost nostalgic interest from fans of the two teams. Although Bangladesh has since gone on to achieve perhaps a little more in cricket, things always seem to get interesting whenever these two sides square off. Languishing in 9th place of the ICC test rankings, Bangladesh will want to get a morale and (albeit slight) rating boost by defeating Zimbabwe - especially with this being Mashrafe Mortaza’s final series as captain, while the African side will be bent on taking down their biggest rivals over the last 2 decades.
 

Bangladesh Team News & Form

Things have been dismal in the Tigers’ den lately, with test losses to Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan, a poor showing at the World Cup despite plenty of promise, and very few wins in the last calendar year. Gone is the ‘rising’ Bangladesh of 2015-2016, and even Shakib Al Hasan, the star of the country and the World Cup, is out of the national team for another several months.
 
That being said, there’s still plenty of skill in the team, and with their Under-19 team winning their own World Cup, an influx of fresh talent might be just what the team needs to get back to winning ways. One good news is the return of stalwart Mushfiqur Rahim to the test squad, albeit at the cost of dropping a constantly-underperforming Mahmudullah Riyad. Speaking of underperformers, Soumya Sarkar, Rubel Hossain, and Al-Amin Hossain have also been exempted from the squad for this series.
 

Zimbabwe Team News & Form

Not a lot has gone the way of Zimbabwean cricket in the last 15 years. Occasional upset win aside, what was a rising force in world cricket never quite overcame the internal turmoil that led to all its major players being dropped from their team. While some of their players looked promising in their recent clash with Sri Lanka, they nevertheless lost the series.

Their performance will no doubt be further hampered by the low number of tests they get to play in a calendar year, with the side having only played 4 tests in the last 2. The African nation’s financial situation undoubtedly hamstrings any chances of improving the situation. That being said, Craig Ervine’s men will no doubt push hard against an opponent they defeated to draw the last test series between them.
 

Head-To-Head Stats: Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe

With 7 wins for Zimbabwe and 6 for Bangladesh, the test match record between these sides is pretty square. However, the Tigers have only managed to win 2 series while the Chevrons have twice that to their name. That being said, the last time Zimbabwe won a series against Mortaza’s men was way back in 2011, and the latter will have home advantage.

Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe Prediction and Betting Tips

As long as they don’t get complacent, Bangladesh should be able to close this one out. With Rahim making an important return to the side, there’s every chance to do so. Bangladesh have had some remarkable victories at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, and they’ll be looking to add to that tally. Expect captain Mominul Haque to do well with the bat, alongside Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim. With the ball, Mustafizur Rahman, Taijul Islam, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz should strike and strike hard.

With Brendan Taylor and Hamilton Masakadza in the squad, Zimbabwe will be hoping to edge Bangladesh out - and rightfully so; the two players combinedly average a whopping 110 against Bangladesh. With no Kyle Jarvis available, it will be up to Sikandar Raza and Chris Mpofu to get the Tigers out.

Who will win the 1st Test?

Match Prediction: Bangladesh (2.49 @ 1XBET)

Other Betting Tips:

• BAN top batsman – M Rahim
• ZIM top batsman – B Taylor
• Players to score a century - M Rahim/M Haque (BAN), B Taylor/H Masakadza (ZIM)
• Players to score a fifty – M Rahim/M Haque/L Das(BAN), B Taylor/H Masakadza/C Ervine(ZIM)
• Players to take most wickets - Taijul Islam (BAN), C Mpofu (ZIM)
• Highest Opening Partnership - BAN
• Most boundaries - BAN

 
Will the Tigers make home advantage count? Or will Zimbabwe bowl over them over? Find out starting Saturday!