The third match of the T20I series between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe will be held on 25th July. This match will take place at the Harare Sports Club. The first two matches were also held at the same location, and we observed that the batters were benefited the most from the pitches. We may expect the series finale match to be played on the same pitch. The series is now level at 1-1. Bangladesh will have to perform well against Zimbabwe to win the series. The third T20I match preview of the BAN vs. ZIM 2021 series is discussed in this article.
Team News – Bangladesh
Bangladeshi batsmen failed to keep up the pressure on Zimbabwe’s bowling unit while chasing 166 runs in the second T20I, losing wickets at a regular interval. In the end, the visiting side came 24runs short of winning the match.
Bangladesh must come out with a proper setup in the third match in order to win the series. They could make a few adjustments in the series-deciding battle. Bangladesh’s big challenge in this important match will be to score rapidly while keeping wickets in hand.
Two senior players in the team, Shakib Al Hasan and skipper Mahmudullah Riyad will have to do a little more in the last match of the tour if Bangladesh is to win a Twenty20 series in Zimbabwe for the first time.
Newcomer Shamim Hossain showcased his power-hitting skills in the second match, which is a promising sign for Bangladesh. Nurul Hasan and the bowlers have been outstanding throughout the series. They must maintain their excellent performance in the final match. Bangladesh can win if the players give it theirs best during the contest.
Three key players for Bangladesh
Shakib Al Hasan: T20Is: 78 | Runs: 1,579 | HS: 84 | SR: 123.74 | Wkts: 94 | BBI: 5/20 | Econ: 6.83
Mahmudullah Riyad: T20Is: 91 | Runs: 1,526 | HS: 64* | SR: 123.06 | Wkts: 31 | BBI: 3/18 | Econ: 7.34
Mustafizur Rahman: T20Is: 43 | Wkts: 61 | BBI: 5/22 | Econ: 8.02
Bangladesh’s Predicted XI
Mohammad Naim, Soumya Sarkar, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah Riyad (C), Afif Hossain, Nurul Hasan (wk), Mahedi Hasan, Shamim Hossain, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam
Team News – Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s campaign has gained a lot of confidence after winning the second match by 23 runs against a highly competitive Bangladesh team. Though, Bangladesh can still come back strong in the third match. And, the host will have to put on their finest display if they want to win their first-ever T20 series against Bangladesh.
Left-arm spinner Wellington Masakadza had an outstanding outing in the second match. His quick breakthroughs aided Zimbabwe in reclaiming control of the game. Masakadza received the player of the match award after finishing his spell with three wickets.
Wellington Masakadza, Luke Jongwe, and other senior members of the squad will be essential for Zimbabwe In the last match. However, everyone in the playing XI will have to do their part properly to win the series.
Three key players for Zimbabwe
Sikandar Raza: T20Is: 41 | Runs: 524 | HS: 59 | SR: 107.37 | Wkts: 13 | BBI: 2/7 | Econ: 8.20
Wellington Masakadza: T20Is: 19 |Wkts: 17 | BBI: 4/28 | Econ: 7.35
Luke Jongwe: T20Is: 13 | Wkts: 19 | BBI: 4/18 | Econ: 8.94
Zimbabwe’s predicted XI
TadiwanasheMarumani, Wesley Madhevere, Regis Chakabva (wk), Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (C), Ryan Burl, Luke Jongwe, Milton Shumba, Wellington Masakadza, TendaiChatara, Blessing Muzarabani
Pitch and Weather Report
The curator is likely to create a batting-friendly surface, and we might see a run-fest between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe in the third Twenty20 match. The weather in Harare will most likely be partly cloudy on Sunday, although it will remain bright throughout the day. Overall, we may anticipate pleasant weather for a cricket match.
Verdict
The third T20I match of the BAN vs. ZIM 2021 series will be far more challenging, with both teams hoping to win the series. Therefore, the host Zimbabwe will go all out to overcome Bangladesh. On the other side, Bangladesh have never won a T20 series in Zimbabwe but this time they have a great opportunity to win a Twenty20 series against Zimbabwe in their own backyard for the first time.
However, the responsibilities that Bangladeshi players will play against Zimbabwe would be crucial. Bangladesh would be the favorite to win the series against the host if they can maintain their intensity throughout the game. Cricket fans are looking forward to a thrilling finish of the twenty20 series.
Source: United News of Bangladesh