The three-match ODI series between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh will get underway on 10 November, at the Queens Sports Club, in Bulawayo.
This will be Bangladesh’s first international assignment since the 2020 T20 World Cup, held in Australia. Pooled with Australia, India, Sri Lanka and New Zealand in Group A, they had lost all four matches.
Bangladesh last played an ODI in November 2019, against Pakistan. They won by a wicket and a ball to spare while chasing 211. Fargana Hoque, Murshida Khatun and Rumana Ahmed starred in that contest to help Bangladesh level the two-match series 1-1, after they had lost the first ODI by 29 runs.
Unlike Bangladesh, Zimbabwe had game time recently. In October. They won their first ever ODI, against Ireland, by four wickets. Captain Mary-Anne Musonda was the star of the show. She smashed an unbeaten 114-ball 103, with nine fours, to help her side chase 254 with 37 balls to spare.
But from there, Zimbabwe put on a disappointing overall performance in the remaining three ODIs, and ended up losing the series 1-3.
Zimbabwe will rely on two of their best all-rounders, Josephine Nkomo and Precious Marange. With ball, Esther Mbofana will lead the attack.
Likely XIs
Zimbabwe: Mary-Anne Musonda (c), Modester Mupachikwa (wk), Chiedza Dhururu, Ashley Ndiraya, Josephine Nkomo, Precious Marange, Pellagia Mujaji, Loryn Phiri, Loren Tshuma, Esther Mbofana, Nomvelo Sibanda.
Bangladesh: Nigar Sultana (c & wk), Rumana Ahmed, Sharmin Akhter, Nahida Akter, Salma Khatun, Fahima Khatun, Murshida Khatun, Lata Mondal, Jahanara Alam, Ritu Moni, Nuzhat Tasnia.
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Back Zimbabwe. Make Nkomo and Marange captain and vice-captain respectively.
- Do not ignore Alam. If Bangladesh manage to win, she will definitely take at least a couple of wickets.
- Among wicketkeepers, include both Sultana and Mupachikwa.
Fantasy XI
Mary-Anne Musonda, Nigar Sultana, Sharmin Akhter, Josephine Nkomo (c), Precious Marange (vc), Salma Khatun, Jahanara Alam, Ashley Ndiraya, Jahanara Alam, Esther Mbofana, Nomvelo Sibanda.