Bangladesh and Zimbabwe are ready to clash in the first Test of the two-match series in Sylhet on Saturday. The home side will enter in the contest as a firm favourite after winning the recently-concluded, three-match ODI series comprehensively. In their last assignment in the five-day format, Bangladesh received a real thrashing in a two-match series against West Indies at home earlier this year.
In the batting department, the team will be relying on in-form opener Imrul Kayes along with experienced duo of Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah to score bulk of the runs, whereas in the bowling department, the focus will be on off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz and left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman to provide most of the wickets.
On other hand, the visitors will be desperate to turn things around after suffering a humiliating 3-0 whitewash in the three-match ODI series earlier on the tour. In the batting department, the team will be relying on veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Brendan Taylor and left-handed middle-order batsman Sean Williams to score bulk of the runs, whereas in the bowling department, the onus will be on pacers Kyle Jarvis and Chris Mpofu to provide breakthroughs.
So far, both teams have faced each other in 14 matches in the five-day format, where Zimbabwe won six whereas Bangladesh claimed five victories.
MAG Osmani Stadium is located in the city of Sylhet. The venue will be hosting its first ever game in the five-day format, therefore, it is not clear how the pitch will play during the course
Bangladesh and Zimbabwe are ready to clash in the first Test of the two-match series in Sylhet on Saturday. The home side will enter in the contest as a firm favourite after winning the recently-concluded, three-match ODI series comprehensively. In their last assignment in the five-day format, Bangladesh received a real thrashing in a two-match series against West Indies at home earlier this year.
In the batting department, the team will be relying on in-form opener Imrul Kayes along with experienced duo of Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah to score bulk of the runs, whereas in the bowling department, the focus will be on off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz and left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman to provide most of the wickets.
On other hand, the visitors will be desperate to turn things around after suffering a humiliating 3-0 whitewash in the three-match ODI series earlier on the tour. In the batting department, the team will be relying on veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Brendan Taylor and left-handed middle-order batsman Sean Williams to score bulk of the runs, whereas in the bowling department, the onus will be on pacers Kyle Jarvis and Chris Mpofu to provide breakthroughs.
So far, both teams have faced each other in 14 matches in the five-day format, where Zimbabwe won six whereas Bangladesh claimed five victories.
MAG Osmani Stadium is located in the city of Sylhet. The venue will be hosting its first ever game in the five-day format, therefore, it is not clear how the pitch will play during the course of the match. However, the weather is expected to cause some trouble on the third and fourth day of the match.
Key Players:
Imrul Kayes – 9 Cr
First in the list of key players features Bangladesh opening batsman Imrul Kayes. The left-hander was in sublime form with the bat and won the player of the series award in a 3-0 whitewash of Bangladesh. Valued at 9 Cr, Kayes is a player to have in your team because of his recent form against the same opposition, regardless of the format. So far, Kayes has represented Bangladesh in 34 Tests, where he has scored 1,679 runs at a disappointing average of 26.32.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz – 9
Second in the list of key players features Bangladesh's off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz. The 21-year-old, who is valued at 9 Cr, is in outstanding form with the bowl and can prove to be real asset for your team in the series. Miraz has represented Bangladesh in 14 matches in the five-day format, where he claimed 58 wickets at an impressive average of 36.18 and strike-rate of 64.6.
Sean Williams – 9.5 Cr
Last in the list features Zimbabwe all-rounder Sean Williams. The left-hander was by far the best batsman from the visiting side in the recently concluded ODI series and will be eager to continue his impressive show in the five-day format as well. Valued at 9.5 Cr, Williams has represented Zimbabwe in eight Tests, collecting 421 runs at an average of 26.31.
