Zimbabwe and Bangladesh are going to face off in the only Test match at Harare Sports Club today at 13:30 (GMT + 6). Before this match, the host Zimbabwe team got a big blow, as they will miss their two experienced cricketers, captain Sean Williams and Craig Ervine in the only Test against Bangladesh. Another off-spinner Kevin Kasuza has been ruled out due to injury.
The family members of Williams and Ervine have been tested positive for Covid-19. These two cricketers from Zimbabwe were in close contact with their families. Both of them are currently in self-isolation and thus will miss the only Test in Harare. Brendan Taylor will now lead Zimbabwe in Williams’ absence.
Williams and Ervine did not play in the last Pakistan series on home soil due to injuries. Williams played his last Test against Afghanistan, and Ervine against Bangladesh earlier last year. The two were supposed to return to the Test team with this test. However, they were knocked out before their way back to the team.
Now, Zimbabwe’s batting line-up has been severely depleted due to the absence of Williams and Ervine, this fact should play into Bangladesh’s hands. These are proven performers with the regular captain scoring a century in his most recent Test appearance. Things are destined to fall in place for Bangladesh if they can knock off Brendan Taylor cheaply.
Moreover, the return of the world’s best all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who will be viewed as an impact player especially with the bat in these conditions, should also boost the team’s strength and confidence. The Tigers captain Mominul Haque said that they would play with an additional batsman, which would be very comforting for him as a captain.
With the four experienced players, Mominul Haque, Shakib, Mushfiqur Rahim and Liton Das in the team, this could well prove to be the difference between the two teams.
Test Squad:
Zimbabwe – Brendan Taylor (c), Regis Chakabva, Tendai Chatara, Tendai Chisoro, Tanaka Chivanga, Joylord Gumbie, Luke Jongwe, Roy Kaia, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Timycen Maruma, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi, Milton Shumba, Donald Tiripano
Bangladesh – Mominul Haque (c), Tamim Iqbal, Shadman Islam, Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Liton Das, Yasir Ali, Mahmudullah, Nurul Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Abu Jayed, Taskin Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain, Shoriful Islam
An alluring cricket battle between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh is awaiting. For further updates on it, stay with Baji!