BAN Vs ZIM Playing11, 1st Test: Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe Probable Playing XI, Preview, Key Players and Team News

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BAN Vs ZIM Playing11, 1st Test: The longest format of cricket returns to the subcontinent as Bangladesh host Zimbabwe in the 1st Test of a two-match red-ball series, starting Sunday, April 20 at the picturesque Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

With both teams entering the contest in search of consistency, this clash promises to deliver gritty, hard-fought cricket featuring seasoned Test performers and exciting young prospects. Bangladesh, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, are eyeing back-to-back wins in the format after a morale-boosting 101-run victory over West Indies.

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, are desperate to arrest their downward spiral after four defeats and a draw in their last five Tests. Both teams will treat this opening fixture as an opportunity to reset and make a statement in the red-ball arena.

Match Information

• Match: Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe, 1st Test
• Date: April 20 - April 24, 2025
• Time: 9:30 AM IST
• Venue: Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
• Live Streaming: FanCode App and Website
• Broadcast: BTV (Bangladesh Television)

Pitch and Weather Conditions

The surface in Sylhet has traditionally aided bowlers, particularly spinners, as the match progresses. The average first innings score hovers around 291, while fourth innings totals drop dramatically, underlining the importance of batting first. Rain is forecast across all five days, meaning ground staff and drainage facilities could play an unexpected role. If there are full days of play, expect reverse swing and crumbling spin to challenge batters on days three and four.

Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe Previews

Bangladesh come in slightly more confident after snapping a four-match losing streak with a solid win over the West Indies. Mushfiqur Rahim, the veteran gloveman, continues to be their Test backbone, while Mominul Haque, Shanto, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz form the core of their middle-order and bowling attack. The absence of Litton Das and Taskin Ahmed opens doors for Jaker Ali and pace rookie Tanzim Hasan Sakib.

Zimbabwe's woes stem from inconsistency in the top order and an overreliance on Sean Williams and Craig Ervine. Both return for this series and will be expected to anchor the innings. With Blessing Muzarabani leading the pace attack and Victor Nyauchi providing support, Zimbabwe will look to recreate their 2018 Sylhet success.

Key Players to Watch

• Mehidy Hasan Miraz (BAN): Leading Bangladesh's charge, Miraz has notched up 614 runs and 31 wickets in his last 10 Tests. He also boasts two five-wicket hauls against Zimbabwe.
• Mushfiqur Rahim (BAN): The experienced batter has a phenomenal record against Zimbabwe - 857 runs at an average of 57.13, including two double centuries.
• Mominul Haque (BAN): With 757 runs in just 8 matches against Zimbabwe, Mominul thrives in this contest. He's also the top scorer for Bangladesh at Sylhet.
• Sean Williams (ZIM): Back from injury, Williams is in red-hot form, scoring 488 runs at an average of 81.33 in his last four Tests. He also plays spin well - vital in Sylhet.
• Blessing Muzarabani (ZIM): Zimbabwe's pace spearhead has picked up 35 wickets in his last 8 Tests, including consistent performances on unhelpful surfaces.
• Craig Ervine (ZIM): A dependable middle-order presence with 390 runs in his last five Tests, Ervine is Zimbabwe's best chance at stability in the middle overs.

Team News

Bangladesh: Injuries have forced changes with Taskin Ahmed and Litton Das ruled out. Tanzim Hasan Sakib receives his first call-up, and Khaled Ahmed may also feature. Shanto returns from injury to lead the side.

Zimbabwe: Captain Craig Ervine and Sean Williams return. Vincent Masekesa, an uncapped leg-spinner, could add mystery to the bowling unit. Tafadzwa Tsiga is back after two years.

Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe Probable Playing XI

Bangladesh: Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali (wk), Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed/Tanzim Hasan, Nahid Rana

Zimbabwe: Ben Curran, Nick Welch, Craig Ervine (c), Brian Bennett, Sean Williams, Wessly Madhevere, Johnathan Campbell, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu/Victor Nyauchi

Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe Full Squads

Bangladesh Squad: Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto(c), Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali(w), Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Nayeem Hasan, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Shadman Islam.

Zimbabwe Squad: Ben Curran, Nick Welch, Craig Ervine(c), Brian Bennett, Sean Williams, Wessly Madhevere, Johnathan Campbell, Nyasha Mayavo(w), Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Victor Nyauchi, Trevor Gwandu, Vincent Masekesa, Tafadzwa Tsiga.