A tri-nation One Day International (ODI) series featuring Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, and Afghanistan is set to begin on Saturday at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Zimbabwe recently faced a disappointing 0-3 series loss . However, they showcased resilience in their final match, demonstrating a fighting spirit despite the defeat. The team boasts a balanced lineup, with hopes resting on captain Sikandar Raza. Raza’s batting prowess and his mysterious spin bowling will be crucial for the African side.
On the other hand, Bangladesh has experienced a mixed performance across all formats lately, but they are considered strong contenders in this series. The slow and low pitches of the UAE could favor Bangladesh’s spin bowlers, who are expected to make the most of the conditions.
Afghanistan enters the series with confidence after a clean sweep against Ireland in August. Under the leadership of Rahmat Shah, the team has the potential to cause upsets against both Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, bolstered by experienced players like wicketkeeper-batsman Liton Das.
The first match will see Bangladesh face Zimbabwe on October 17, followed by Zimbabwe taking on Afghanistan on October 19. The third match features Afghanistan against Bangladesh on October 21. The top two teams on the points table will clash in the final on October 23, with all matches scheduled to start at 5 PM Indian Standard Time.
Afghanistan’s squad includes: Rahmat Shah (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ikram Alikhil, Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Kharoti, AM Gazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Yameen Ahmadzai, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, and Bilal Sami.
Zimbabwe’s lineup features: Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Brendan Taylor (wicketkeeper), Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza (captain), Ryan Burl, Wesley Madhevere, Brad Evans, Newman Nyamurima, Blessing Muzarabani, Wellington Masakadza, Ernest Masuku, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tafadzwa Tsiga, and Vincent Masakesa.
Bangladesh’s team includes: Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Liton Das (wicketkeeper/captain), Mosaddek Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Nurul Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Alis Al Islam, and Saif Hasan.