Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh – International Test Match Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh taking place? Wednesday, July 7th, 2021 – 08:30 (UK)
Where is Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh taking place? Harare Sports Club, Harare
What is the expected weather for Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh? 19-22c with sunshine throughout and a gentle breeze forecast across all five days
What channel is Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh on? The match will be televised live on FreeSports in the UK
Where can I stream Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh? FreeSports subscribers will be able to stream the match live via the FreeSports Player both online and via smart phones.
LAST MEETING
Bangladesh beat Zimbabwe by an innings and 106 runs.
THE TEAM NEWS
ZIMBABWE
- Zimbabwe make their return to test match action for the first time since they were beaten heavily by Pakistan in a two-test series at home, which saw them lose both matches by an innings.
- The fragile batting line-up of Zimbabwe saw them score over 200 just once in four innings against Pakistan and on the same venue here, the batting simply has to improve if they are to stand a chance of beating Bangladesh.
- Four uncapped players have been named within the Zimbabwe squad, with Chivanga Tanaka, Dion Mayes, Joylord Gumbie, Takudzwanashe Kaitano all hoping to make their international debut, whilst fast bowler Tendai Chatara returns to the test squad after a three year absence.
BANGLADESH
- Like Zimbabwe, Bangladesh were also beaten in their most recent test series leading up to this match, losing to Sri Lanka away from home after being thrashed by 209 runs in the second test, following a draw in the opening match.
- Star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan returns to the Bangladesh squad after missing the series against Sri Lanka and his presence in the team will significantly improve the side when considering his ability with both bat and ball, whilst another experienced player in Mahmudullah has been recalled.
- Bangladesh currently have a couple of injury worries with opening batter Tamim Iqbal a doubt with a knee injury that saw him withdraw from the Dhaka Premier League last month, whilst wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim is hoping to recover in time after sustaining a broken finger last month.
THE PREDICTION
This one-off test match should make for a wonderful occasion in Harare, with Zimbabwe looking to put up a much better fight than they have in previous games against Bangladesh, having lost six of the last seven tests between the two countries stretching back to 2013. On what is expected to be a slow pitch, the scoring rate isn’t likely to be high and both teams will have to show patience with both bat and ball. The return of all-round Shakib is a crucial one for Bangladesh as his experience and quality should shine through in a contest like this. It is those more experienced test campaigners like Shakib that could make the difference here and when taking into account the top level international experience within the Bangladesh ranks compared to that of Zimbabwe, the tourists should have enough quality within their side to defeat the hosts.
