ZIMBABWE are looking at utilising home conditions as they take on Bangladesh in the first One Day International (ODI) at Harare Sports Club on Friday (tomorrow) with 10 points at stake in the Cricket World Cup Super League.
The Cricket World Cup League has context into every ODI bilateral series. Only a victory will suffice for the hosts, who currently anchor the 13-team table with just 10 points after three games. On the other hand, Bangladesh are sitting in second place with 50 points from nine games.
Zimbabwe still have headaches regarding balance in their batting line up especially at the top of the order.
Chamu Chibhabha, the interim ODI skipper who had a good outing against South Africa A, missed out on selection. Still, young guns, Tadiwanashe Marumani and Dion Myers, who did well against South Africa are in the running to make their debuts.
The selectors may choose to go with the experienced Tafadzwa Kamunhukamwe at the top of the order with Marumani, but once you throw Wessley Madhevere into the frame, who can give the team a few overs of spin, this should surely provide the selectors with a lot to think about.
Zimbabwe have their work cut out as they are still missing experienced campaigners in Sean Williams and Craig Ervine, who are still self-isolating after getting into contact with a known Covid-19 case.
Captain Brendan, who looked in great touch in the just ended one-off Test, is expected to lead from the front, and he will need all the help from Regis Chakabva and Sikandar Raza.
With Ervine and Wiliams missing, it looks like Timycen Maruma will get another chance to impress and shore up the lower-middle order.
Myers, who continues to impress, is expected to bat at number four to cap off what has been a dream couple of weeks for the former Under-19 captain who made his Test debut last week.
Madhevere has a good white-ball cricket record, and more importantly, he has scored two half-centuries against the Tigers when the Chevrons toured there last time.
Zimbabwe has a settled bowling attack spearheaded by Blessing Muzarabani, supported by Richard Ngarava and all-rounder Luke Jongwe.
Tendai Chatara the surviving bowler from the team that won the ODI series in 2013 against Bangladesh at home, makes a return to the team after proving that he is fit to bowl in this format.
Bangladesh welcome back captain Tamim Iqbal who missed the one-off Test due to injury. Iqbal has an excellent record against Zimbabwe, and the local bowlers know that their work is cut out.
All-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is another player who enjoys playing against Zimbabwe, especially in the bowling department with his left-arm spin.
The Asian side start the match as the favourites but can only underestimate Zimbabwe in their conditions to their own peril. The Cricket World Super League has already had upsets with Ireland beating South Africa in the second ODI.
Temperatures are expected to go as low as eight degrees, making conditions conducive for Bowling. Whoever wins the toss must bowl first and try to get early wickets. It is expected to remain overcast throughout the day, making it a good contest between bat and ball.
Zimbabwe probable line-up
Tadiwanashe Marumani
Wesley Madhevere
Brendan Taylor
Dion Myers
Timycen Maruma
Regis Chakabva
Sikandar Raza
Luke Jongwe
Blessing Muzarabani
Richard Ngarava
Tendai Chatara
