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Following their mixed tour of the West Indies, Bangladesh travel to Zimbabwe for three T20Is and three ODIs, with the hosts set to face a number of world-class opponents in a packed itinerary.
The tourists come from the Caribbean hot off a strong ODI series win, though were troubled in the shortest format, falling to a 2-0 series defeat.
Zimbabwe meanwhile are buoyant following the qualification for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022, winning the all-important Qualifier B semi-final over PNG to punch their tournament tickets, and capping off the campaign with a win over the Netherlands in the tournament final.
‘Unbelievable’ Zimbabwe react to T20 World Cup Qualifier B victory
Sikandar Raza claimed Player of the Tournament honours at the qualifier, though it would be remiss not to acknowledge the strong overall performance of the playing group, led by skipper Craig Ervine.
Sean Williams made an impressive return for the Chevrons with the bat, while a number of players contributed in a strong bowling effort, spearheaded by quick Blessing Muzarabani.
Preparing for the T20 World Cup and striving for 2023 Cricket World Cup qualification, Zimbabwe will certainly be battle-hardened, also taking on India and Australia in the next two months after Bangladesh’s visit.
India return after a six-year gap since their last visit, with their three ODIs part of the ongoing Cricket World Cup Super League.
Their matches with Australia in August and September are part of the same competition, where they lie in 12th position (35 points) with three wins and a no-result.
For now though, Zimbabwe’s focus is firmly on Bangladesh, not only in terms of preparation, but to maintain strong rankings for both formats.
Zimbabwe sit in 12th on the MRF ICC T20I Rankings, on the edges of potential automatic qualification 2024 T20 World Cup, and in 15th in the ODI format, behind fellow Super League contenders Zimbabwe. – ICC Cricket –
Online Reporter