Bangladesh are set to face Zimbabwe in the second and final Test at the Bir Shrestha Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram on Monday, desperate to avoid an unprecedented home series whitewash against the African side.
The match, scheduled to begin at 10:00am, will be broadcast live on Bangladesh Television (BTV).
The hosts are reeling after a shock three-wicket defeat in the first Test in Sylhet, where a familiar batting collapse saw them concede the match. It marked Zimbabwe’s first Test win since 2021 and their first victory on Bangladeshi soil in six years. The result also brought both teams level with eight wins each in their 19 Test encounters.
With national pride on the line, Bangladesh are aiming to bounce back quickly. Despite their batting struggles, the Tigers showed promise with the ball, keeping the Sylhet Test competitive until the final innings.
“We’re focusing on the process to turn things around,” said Jaker Ali Anik, who continued his strong start in Test cricket with a fifty in each innings. “Our main concern is batting. We’ve talked about it and how to improve shot selection.”
Bangladesh’s batting woes were evident in Sylhet, where they were bowled out for 191 in the first innings and 255 in the second, setting Zimbabwe just 174 runs to win — a target the visitors chased down despite a few stumbles.
The home side is expected to make changes to address their shortcomings. Anamul Haque Bijoy could return to the XI as an opener, while young pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib may debut, replacing Nahid Rana, who has been released to play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
On the other hand, Zimbabwe are brimming with confidence. Their captain Craig Ervine will be looking to lead the team to a historic series sweep, while opener Ben Curran acknowledged Bangladesh will be tougher in Chattogram.
“We’re expecting a strong fightback from Bangladesh,” Curran said. “The conditions will be different from Sylhet, but the mood in our camp is great, and we’re confident.”
Squads:
Bangladesh: Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Vice Captain), Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.
Zimbabwe: Craig Ervine (Captain), Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Ben Curran, Trevor Gwandu, Wessly Madhevere, Wellington Masakadza, Vincent Masekesa, Nyasha Mayavo, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams.
