BAN vs ZIM (Source: @AdamTheofilatos/X.com)
It's time for the all-important test match between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe to be played at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Sylhet. Both sides will be up against each other from the 20th of April 2025, with the match beginning from 9:30 AM IST.
Bangladesh
The Bangladesh side is in transition, with four of the top famous five players already gone as they only have Mushfiqur Rahim in their ranks from their elite players. Najmul Hossain Shanto will be again at the helm of things, where he will be well-supported by the likes of Mominul Haque, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Jaker Ali.
The Bangladesh side has only won one of their last five games, as they've endured four defeats, with the defeats coming against India, South Africa, and West Indies, respectively. However, they are coming off a comfortable victory over the Caribbean side by 101 runs in their last encounter.
Zimbabwe
On the other hand, the Zimbabwe side haven't been able to win a single game of the last five matches, losing four and drawing one. They're also coming here after a defeat against Ireland by 63 runs, after previously losing to Afghanistan by 72 runs. Their veteran, Sean Williams, is back from injury, while their captain, Craig Ervine, will be taking charge of the side after previously being unable to feature against Ireland.
As for their lineup, Tafadzwa Tsiga is back into the side after missing out for two consecutive years, while Wellington Masakadza is also in the lineup. Also, they have added a bit of mystery spin in their side with Vincent Masekesa.
BAN vs ZIM Head-to-Head Records In Tests
| Categories | Bangladesh | Zimbabwe |
| Matches Played | 18 | 18 |
| Matches Won | 8 | 7 |
| Matches Lost | 7 | 8 |
| Draws | 3 | 3 |
| Tied | 0 | 0 |
How Will The Sylhet Pitch Behave?
The pitch at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium is expected to offer pace and bounce courtesy of wet conditions that are expected on all five days. The weather forecast predicts rain on all the match days, which could favour the pacers, as the ball might get extra zip after pitching. With some rain, there could be dampness on the track, making it difficult for the batters to play their shots.
Although the Sylhet pitch has decent bounce, the overcast conditions might provide fast bowlers a lot more than what is usually offered at this venue. Therefore, pacers might be more handy on this venue. The team winning the toss will likely opt to bat first, ensuring they put a decent total on the board before the pitch starts deteriorating.
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Players To Watch Out For In BAN vs ZIM 1st Test
Bangladesh
Najmul Hossain Shanto
The Bangladesh skipper, Najmul Hossain Shanto, is an experienced customer, with 766 runs in his 33 appearances, coming at an average of 28.48, while he has struck five centuries and four half-centuries in the longest format. His ability to provide the anchor in the middle while keeping his end secure from one end makes him a valuable prospect.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz
The Bangladeshi all-rounder, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, is a valuable player for his side with 51 Test appearances under his belt. In those matches, he has struck 1,952 runs while picking up 190 wickets at an average of 33.58, while his economy is 3.17. Mehidy has struck 9 half centuries, while smashing a ton so far in the red-ball format.
Nahid Rana
The right-arm pace of Bangladesh's newest sensation, Nahid Rana, is hard to ignore as he has done a brilliant job so far in his six-match Test career. The pacer, who has bowled in 11 innings so far, has managed to pick 20 wickets at an average of 36.55, while giving runs at an economy of 4.56. Meanwhile, he has also grabbed one five-wicket haul to his name, as he comes in and bowls from a long run-up, while putting in a decent amount of energy in his deliveries with some exorbitant pace.
Mushfiqur Rahim
The veteran from the Bangladesh cricket side, Mushfiqur Rahim, has done a tremendous job so far in 94 Test matches for his side, Bangladesh. Mushfiqur, who has scored 6007 runs, has struck 27 half centuries and 11 centuries so far at an average of 37.77 as he has been at the forefront of the Bangladesh cricket from the past 20 years since his debut.
Zimbabwe
Craig Ervine
Zimbabwean skipper, Craig Ervine, can come in handy for his side with some decent experience behind him. Although Ervine has featured in 23 matches, he has scored 1598 runs at an average of 37.16, where he has seven half centuries and four centuries for his national side. Ervine can provide Zimbabwe with a much-needed boost in the middle, while his captaincy leadership credentials will be crucial during this encounter.
Sean Williams
All-rounder Sean Williams has featured in 17 matches so far for the Chevrons side, where he has 1,363 runs while grabbing 25 wickets at an economy of 3.18. Williams, who is a left-handed batter and a left-arm spinner, has been playing the all-rounder's role since making his debut against the West Indies side back in 2013 and has done a decent job so far, where he has averaged 45.43 with the bat. He can be a valuable customer who knows how to take responsibility for his side.
Blessing Muzarabani
Tall, lanky Zimbabwean pacer Blessing Muzarabani has rattled a lot of batters with his frame, with the ball coming from a higher angle, making it difficult for the batters. The right-arm pacer has played 10 matches but has managed to pick 41 wickets at an average of 22.12, while giving runs at an economy of just 2.96. In those games, he has bowled magnificently well, picking 3 four-wicket hauls, and 2 five-wicket hauls for the African nation.
Ben Curran
Zimbabwe's newly brought-in opening batter from England, Ben Curran, can be a valuable asset for his side, where he can provide a solid start with his batting technique. The left-handed batter, who has only been featured in three matches for Zimbabwe, has struck 178 runs at an average of 29.66, with one half-centuyr so far in his short career. Expect him to be one of the most crucial batters who can handle Bangladeshi bowlers on a tough surface.
Today's Match Prediction: BAN vs ZIM 1st Test
Predicted Top Performers
Bangladesh - Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nahid Rana
Zimbabwe - Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, Blessing Muzarabani
BAN vs ZIM 1st Test: Predicted Score
Predicted first innings score: 260-290
Predicted second innings score: 240-270
Predicted third innings score: 210-240
Predicted fourth innings score: 170-200
Predicted Result: The team batting first will likely have an advantage in this match.
.jpg?type=mq?im=Resize=(250, 250) "Arnav Chopra")
