Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu [email protected]
BULAWAYO’S Queens Sports Club comes alive on Wednesday when Zimbabwe host Bangladesh in the opening match of a three-match Twenty20 International series, with both sides looking to make a winning start in the shortest format of the game.
The match, which starts at 12.30pm, follows an entertaining multi-format tour in which Zimbabwe enjoyed success in the longer versions of the game, winning the one-off Test by an innings and 85 runs before claiming the three-match One-Day International series 2-1.
Attention now shifts to the T20 format, where Bangladesh have historically held the upper hand.
The Tigers have won 16 of the 24 T20 Internationals played between the two nations, with Zimbabwe recording eight victories.
Bangladesh also dominated the last bilateral T20I series between the two countries, winning 4-1 on home soil in May 2024. Before that, they edged Zimbabwe 2-1 in a series played in Harare in July 2022 and also claimed a thrilling three-run victory when the sides met at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup later that year.
Despite Bangladesh’s superior record, Zimbabwe will be encouraged by their recent performances against the visitors and will be eager to carry that momentum into the three-match series.
Queens Sports Club has produced balanced T20 contests over the years, with conditions generally offering opportunities for both batsmen and bowlers.
Teams batting first have won about 45 to 50 percent of T20 Internationals played at the venue, while the average first innings score ranges between 147 and 155 runs. Teams batting second have averaged between 131 and 135 runs.
With clear skies and fair weather forecast for Bulawayo, conditions are expected to be ideal for cricket.
The Chevrons will be hoping home support inspires them to narrow the gap in the head-to-head record, while Bangladesh will be seeking to reassert their dominance in the format.
The series also presents another opportunity for Zimbabwe to continue building confidence ahead of future international assignments as they seek consistency against one of Asia’s established cricketing nations.
