The Bangladesh ODI national team lost to Zimbabwe by a margin of 5 wickets in the first match of the three-match BAN vs ZIM ODI Series 2022 on Friday, August 5 at the Harare Sports Club. Zimbabwe defeated Bangladesh for the first time in an ODI since May 2013. In that regard, the match was crucial for the hosts since they won a one-day international against the visiting Bangladesh team after 19 losses in a row. The Tigers must respond quickly in the second ODI to level the series, which will be played on Sunday, August 6 at the same venue. The second match preview is discussed in this article.
Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe Second ODI 2022 Preview
The Bangladesh team's loss in the opening ODI came as a huge shock, especially considering that they had been consistently defeating Zimbabwe in this format. The team Tigers must display their aggressive intent in order to impose pressure on the hosts in the second game. On the other hand, Zimbabwe's campaign is now in a positive frame of mind, and their confidence level is strong enough for them to win back-to-back games. The second game of the BAN vs ZIM ODI Series 2022 will begin on Sunday at 1.15 p.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time).
Bangladesh
The first ODI's pitch was ideal for the batters to perform well. Therefore, the final score could have reached close to 350 if Bangladesh’s batters had pushed hard in the middle overs. Additionally, Bangladesh only managed to score 90 runs in the final 10 overs despite having plenty of wickets in hand. Zimbabwe's difficulty against spin bowling is well documented. Thus, selecting three pacers for the playing XI was also a mistake.
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Several catches were dropped due to the poor fielding. Bangladesh's overall team performance was unimpressive, with the exception of four fifty-plus scores. They must work better as a team in the second ODI, which is a do-or-die game. There will probably be a couple of changes to Bangladesh's starting eleven. One change is necessary because Litton Das, who had a hamstring injury in the first game, is expected to be replaced by Najmul Hossain Shanto.
Probable playing XI
Top-Order: Tamim Iqbal (captain), Anamul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Middle-Order: Mushfiqur Rahim (wicket-keeper), Mahmudullah Riyad, Afif Hossain, Mosaddeck Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Lower-Order: Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed
Zimbabwe
The Zimbabwean team had only won one ODI in 2022 prior to the first game. Therefore, this win will certainly boost the team's morale. Zimbabwe can sense that they have a real opportunity to shock Bangladesh and win an ODI series against them for the first time in nine years. Sikandar Raza and Innocent Kaia's batting displays in the first ODI gave the batting unit confidence to be more aggressive against Bangladesh's bowling unit.
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The two batters each scored a century during the game, creating a 192-run partnership that secured the victory for the home team. Sikandar Raza, in particular, was aggressive and hindered the Bangladesh bowling unit from settling down. He will once again play a significant role for the Chevrons in the next game. The hosts are not likely to make any adjustments for the game on Sunday.
Probable playing XI
Top-Order: Regis Chakabva (captain & wicket-keeper), Tarisai Musakanda, Innocent Kaia, Middle-Order: Wessley Madhevere, Sikandar Raza, Luke Jongwe, Milton Shumba, Ryan Burl, Lower-Order: Victor Nyauchi, Richard Ngarava, Wellington Masakadza
Aftermath
The Tamim Iqbal-led Bangladesh side must promptly come together after the first ODI loss in order to perform well in the second match of the BAN vs ZIM ODI Series 2022. However, this would be a fantastic chance for the Zimbabwean team to complete a remarkable ODI series triumph. They will strive to give it their best in order to win the series with a game remaining against the Tigers. Therefore, the second ODI is surely going to be a fiercely contested affair.