Bangladesh suffered their first defeat of the tour after falling 23 runs short in the second T20I. Zimbabwe will be high on confidence after that series-levelling win, and will back themselves to go a step further.
Unlike the Test match, which was a bland affair, Zimbabwe have put up a great fight in the limited-overs assignments. However, they have failed to consolidate after gaining initial advantage on multiple occasions. The last T20I was an exception in this regard.
The decision to send Wesley Madhevere to open the innings worked in their favour. Madhevere’s 57-ball 73 helped them put up a decent total. Now, they will expect a bit from Tadiwanashe Marumani, who scored 7 and 4 in the first two games.
Blessing Muzarabani has been terrific the whole series so far. He was Zimbabwe’s most economical bowler in the first game, and his double blow in the second pushed Bangladesh back.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be without Liton Das, who is nursing a thigh injury. Mustafizur Rahman, who missed the last game, may return for the decider. If he is fully fit, Taskin Ahmed will have to make a way for him.
Shoriful Islam has used variations to good effect. He has picked up five wickets across two T20Is, and him bowling with Mustafizur in tandem will be a sight to behold.
On the batting front, Bangladesh need to be a bit more consistent. Soumya Sarkar and Mohammad Naim, architects of victory in the first T20I, failed in the second. Seniors like Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah need to step up in the absence of Tamim Iqbal and Das.
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Muzarabani has troubled the opponents with his pace and height. He and Wellington Masakadza can be picked as two bowlers from Zimbabwe. From Bangladesh, Shoriful would be a good option.
- Among wicketkeepers, pick both Nurul Hasan and Regis Chakabva. Though Nurul bats down the order, he is likely to come into play, while Chakabva has been the most consistent performer for the home side.
- Shamim Hossain impressed with his hitting prowess, scoring 29 off just 13 deliveries in the last game. He can be risked upon your fantasy team.
Likely XIs
Bangladesh: Mahmudullah (c), Mohammad Naim, Liton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Afif Hossain, Nurul Hasan (wk), Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam.
Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza (c), Regis Chakabva (wk), Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tarisai Musakanda, Dion Myers, Wesley Madhevere, Ryan Burl, Luke Jongwe, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava.
Prediction
Bangladesh to make it 2-1.