Bangladesh launch fresh trophy hunt against Zimbabwe

Bangladesh will begin their bid for a second multi-nation One Day International title in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, hoping to revive the magic of their historic 2019 tri-series triumph against familiar foes Zimbabwe. For Litton Das’s men, the opening match offers a chance to make a winning start and build momentum ahead of the Asia Cup and the 2027 World Cup.

Tigers’ only title in a multi-nation ODI tournament came in Dublin in 2019, when they beat hosts Ireland and West Indies to lift the tri-series trophy. Seven and a half years later, they will be eager to repeat that success in the UAE.

The 14-team 2027 ODI World Cup will be staged in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October and November. Hosts Zimbabwe will qualify automatically, while Bangladesh and Afghanistan have also secured direct qualification, making the tri-series a valuable opportunity to fine-tune preparations for the global showpiece.

Bangladesh hold the better overall ODI record against Zimbabwe, winning 52 of their 84 meetings and losing 32. Recent form, however, favours the African side, with Bangladesh winning just two of their last six encounters and losing four.

They will also be keen to avenge their 1-2 series defeat in Zimbabwe.

Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, who played a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s 2019 triumph with a blistering 52 off 27 balls in the final against West Indies, is back in the squad and hopes to draw inspiration from that success.

“The 2019 tri-series is an inspiration for us,” Mosaddek said.

With the Asia Cup coming up before the World Cup, the all-rounder believes a successful campaign in Abu Dhabi could provide a timely confidence boost.

“The Asia Cup is coming up, followed by the World Cup. If we can win these tri-series tournaments, I think we will gain a lot of confidence going forward,” he added.

The opener also marks a new chapter for Litton, who previously led Bangladesh in seven ODIs as interim captain in 2022 and 2023. He now takes charge as full-time skipper, with the challenge of guiding his side to a strong start.

"We have played good series, and especially on our home ground, our brand of cricket was very good,” the Tigers skipper at pre-match conference. “I believe there are many talented players in this squad alongside those of us with experience, so if we can play our best cricket, anything is possible."

Regarding Zimbabwe’s captain Sikandar Raza’s absence at the trophy unveiling ceremony, the wicketkeeper batter mentioned,

“Why he hasn’t arrived is neither in my hands nor under my control,” Litton said. “I am certain they are taking the best possible preparation for this match, just as the Bangladesh team has done."  

Team selection remains a key talking point. Mustafizur Rahman’s place is uncertain after an expensive spell in the third-place play-off at the Asian Games, while in-form Hasan Mahmud and Shoriful Islam, alongside Taskin Ahmed, who has returned from injury, could lead the pace attack.

Whether Litton opts for three specialist pacers or strengthens the spin department remains to be seen.

The weather could prove another obstacle. Abu Dhabi is forecast to experience temperatures of around 30 degrees Celsius on Saturday, with humidity close to 60%.

Night matches at the venue have often featured slower pitches and low bounce. The average first-innings total in the last five ODIs at the ground is 266, with teams batting first winning four of those matches, making the toss potentially crucial.

Bangladesh last faced Zimbabwe at a neutral venue during the ICC Champions Trophy in Jaipur in 2006. Two decades later, the sides meet again on neutral territory.

The match will also mark Zimbabwe’s first ODI at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, where Bangladesh have won two of their six previous matches.

The green and red had a relatively quiet Friday ahead of the opener, with only two taking part in an optional training session, according to a Bangladesh Cricket Board source.

The Bangladesh-Zimbabwe match begins at 5:30pm Bangladesh time.