Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe, ODI Tri-Series in UAE, 2026 Oct 17 Full score card

OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Brad Evans finishes things off. Angling in, on a length, on off. Mustafizur Rahman stays back and looks to block it. The ball hits the upper part of his bat and gets chipped back towards the bowler. Brad Evans stays calm and completes the catch. Zimbabwe beat Bangladesh by 99 runs.

Much fuller, on off, Taskin Ahmed pushes it to mid off for a quick single.

FOUR! Not where he intended! Full and outside off, Taskin Ahmed throws a kitchen sink at it. Doesn't connect it well as the ball goes over mid off for a boundary.

Bangs it short, on leg, Taskin Ahmed ducks under it.

Quicker, on leg, Mustafizur Rahman stabs it to mid on.

SIX! Mustafizur connects this one! Tossed up, outside off, Mustafizur Rahman gets low and powers it high and over long on for a huge six.

Fired in, on leg, Mustafizur Rahman stabs it to mid on.

A bit short, on off, Mustafizur Rahman blocks it to backward point.

Fullish, on off, Mustafizur Rahman eases it to cover.

Mustafizur Rahman is the last batter.

OUT! TAKEN! 100th wicket for Sikandar Raza in the ODIs. Raza tosses it up, on off, Rishad Hossain tries to go big. He looks to loft it down the ground, but mistimes it off the inner half of his bat and the ball carries towards long on. Wellington Masakadza moves a couple of steps forward and completes the catch. Bangladesh are down to their final wicket now.

DRINKS! Bangladesh are 161/8 after 32 overs, and they need 111 runs in 108 balls now. Rishad Hossain and Taskin Ahmed will have to play a miraculous innings to get Bangladesh over the line from here on. Zimbabwe will continue their hunt for wickets and try to bowl out their opponents. Let's see how it ends...

Full and outside off, Rishad Hossain drives it through covers for a single. 17 runs off the over. Newman has been very expensive tonight. His bowling figures read 1/56 in 6 overs so far, including a maiden.

Shortish, outside off, Rishad Hossain tries to slap it but misses.

FOUR! Four boundaries in a trot! Back of a length, outside off, Rishad Hossain rocks back and punches it through covers for yet another boundary.

FOUR AGAIN! Three in a row! Angling in, outside off, Rishad Hossain looks to punch it but gets a thick outside edge as the ball races away to third man.

FOUR MORE! Back-to-back boundaries from Rishad! Back of a length, on leg, Rishad Hossain pulls it over mid-wicket for yet another boundary. 150 up for Bangladesh!

FOUR! Top shot! Bangs it short, on middle and leg, Rishad Hossain latches onto it and pulls it magnificently over mid-wicket for a boundary.

A yorker, on middle, Taskin Ahmed blocks it nicely.

Hits the deck hard, on leg, Rishad Hossain turns it to square leg for a run.

Angling in, on leg, Taskin Ahmed helps it to fine leg for one more.

Back of a length, on leg, Rishad Hossain tugs it to square leg for a single.

Much fuller, outside off, Rishad Hossain pushes it to cover.

Bangs it short, outside off, Rishad Hossain guides it over backward point.

Hammers it on a good length, on the stumps, Taskin exposes the stumps by backing away but just withdraws his bat to leave.

FOUR! Pulled into the gap! Digs in a bouncer, on top of middle, Taskin is cramped for room but still manages to pull it over mid-wicket for a boundary. Two in two for Taskin.

FOUR! Up and over! Pitched up, full in length, on off, Taskin slices it over backward point and collects a boundary.

From around the stumps now. Brad bends his back and shoots in a short ball on top of the stumps, angling in. Taskin drops his head down and lets the ball fly behind to the keeper.

Short of a length and this is pulled away to deep backward square leg for a single.

Banged short and on off, extracting some bounce, Rishad is hurried on the pull shot and the ball gets big on him. A top edge is found and it drops safely to the right of square leg.

Excellent athleticism from Ryan Burl! Slightly back of a length, outside off, Taskin chips it over cover-point as the ball speeds to the fence. Burl and Masakadza run after it, and it is Burl, the sub fielder, who gets to the ball first. He puts in a slide to flick the ball and relay it in. The replay shows that his knees crashed on the ropes but by then, he managed to haul the ball in. Two runs taken.

There's the lifter, short outside off, Taskin is happy to let that go.

Beaten! Smirk on Taskin's face as he didn't have any idea about that one. Back of a length, on the leg stump, nipping in. Taskin backs away a bit to the leg side and tries to block but the ball sneaks through the narrow gap between the bat and pad, and just whistles over the leg stump on its way to the keeper.

Hammers it short, outside off, Rishad arches back and ramps it over wide backward point. Newman Nyamhuri hares to his right from deep third and collects it on the bounce. One run taken.

Angled onto the pads, tucked across to mid-wicket.

On a length, outside off, Rishad stands tall and cuts it to point.

Bowls it full and angles it onto the pads from around the stumps, Taskin misses the flick and is hit on the front pad. A highly profitable over for Zimbabwe that has sealed the deal for them, almost.

Zimbabwe are almost there for a famous win. Taskin Ahmed is in at number 10.

OUT! TAKEN! Expensive in his first spell, Brad Evans is making up for it in this one. He has three wickets to his name now. Short and following the batter, who is shuffling across to the leg side. Shoriful never gets into a good position, yet he goes for the pull anyway. The ball climbs higher than it travels, and Bennett, stationed as the sweeper in the deep square leg region, charges in, dives forward and plucks it just inches off the turf. Bangladesh are badly falling apart. They are 129/8.

Beaten! Back of a length, outside off, Islam has a waft at it and gets beaten.

Fuller ball, around off, chipped on the bounce to cover.

Short of a length, on middle, Islam ducks.

Another bites the dust. The writing is on the wall for Bangladesh now. Shoriful Islam is the next batter in at number 9.

OUT! CAUGHT IN THE DEEP! Nurul holes out and there goes the last hope for Bangladesh. Brad bowls a length-delivery and angles it onto the hips of the batter. Nurul hops off a bit and plays a half-hearted pull shot without completing the follow-through. As a result, there is no power nor timing on the shot and it sails towards deep backward square leg. It dips on the sub fielder, Tadiwanashe Marumani, but he does extremely well to dive forward while stretching his hands in front to complete the catch. Bangladesh are 129/7, needing 143 runs with just 3 wickets in hand now.

After 27 overs, Bangladesh are 129/6, and Zimbabwe were 135/3. Brad Evans (4-0-31-1) is back into the attack, replacing Wellington Masakadza.

Bangs in a bouncer, on the stumps, Rishad dodges. A probing over by Blessing.

Back of a length, outside off, Rishad rides the bounce and steers it to pierce the gap at cover, but the fielder makes a fine diving stop to his right, saving a few runs for sure.

Attacks the stumps, full in length, Rishad knocks it to mid on.

Smell that leather, mate! Well-executed bumper, targeting the head of the batter, Rishad Hossain sways away from the firing line just at the right time to make the leave.

Wide! Down the leg stump, full, Rishad misses his flick.

Drifting down the leg stump on a good length, Rishad Hossain tries to tuck it across but the ball skids through and strikes his front pad. A slight half an appeal for LBW but turned down.

Short of a length, angling in, Nurul tucks it wide of mid-wicket for a single.

Blessing Muzarabani (5-0-16-1) returns into the attack, replacing Sikandar Raza.

Flatter now, full and outside off, Rishad pushes it to the left of the bowler.

Slower through the air, around off and short. Rishad chop-cuts it to cover-point.

Full now, on off, Hossain leans on to block.

Slides in on a length, on off, Rishad backs away and punches it to mid off.

Short and outside off, Nurul stands tall and slaps it to deep cover for a run.

In front of the stumps, Rishad drives the full ball to long on for a single.

A smidge short, outside off, Nurul cuts it to backward point. Newman Nyamhuri dives to his left and surely saves a few runs there.

Stump-to-stump, full in length, Hasan defends it to the leg side.

Slides in from middle, on a fullish length, Rishad knocks it to mid on. A slight fumble there allows them to cross over for a single.

Flat and short, outside off, bunted back to the bowler.

Spins in from a length on off, Hossain tucks it to mid on.

Drops it on a length, outside off, Nurul steers it to widish point for a single.

Fuller on off, blocked straight.

Onto the stumps, angling in, Rishad defends it with a straight bat.

Full around off, eased away to cover.

A full toss on the legs, warded away with a flick to square leg.

It's going downhill very rapidly now for Bangladesh. Into the bowlers now. Rishad Hossain is in at number 8.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Wicket number 2 for Masakadza and his joy knows no bounds. He lands it around off and gets the ball to drift into the batter. But it lands, bounces and spins sharply away off the pitch. Saif is drawn forward and tries to drive it away to the off side, but gets a faint outside edge. Sharp reflexes by Brendan Taylor behind the stumps as he takes a fine catch. A gentle appeal is all required for the umpire to raises his finger. Saif does not review and trudges off. Bangladesh are 123/6, completely on the back foot.

On a drivable length, on off, Nurul drives it to long off for a single.

Fuller on leg, flicked straight to square leg.

Spins in from off, on a length, Saif punches it to short mid-wicket.

Slows it up, full and outside off, Saif dabs it to short third.

FOUR! Fantastic shot! Sikandar drags it down, short and outside off. Saif waits back and firmly cuts it between cover and point for a cracking boundary. Raza curses himself right after the ball left the bat.

Pushed fuller, on middle, Saif clips it to short mid-wicket.

Length ball, spinning in, tucked away to square leg.

Looped fuller, on off, Saif drives it down to long off for a single. A very successful over for Masakadza and Zimbabwe.

FOUR! Helped away! Dropped short and outside off, Saif Hassan plays it very late, hangs back and cuts it to the left of backward point for a boundary.

The under-cutter, on a length, around off, Saif is beaten on the cut shot as the ball skids below the inside edge.

Too full, outside off, carved away to mid off.

Full, angled in, driven to long on for a single.

Bangladesh lose half their side now. The Chevrons are right on top. Nurul Hasan is in at number 7.

OUT! LBW! Bangladesh are losing wickets at regular intervals. Wellington drifts the ball into the batter, on a slightly fullish length. Mosaddek Hossain is pinned in the crease as he looks to whip it across but plays all over it and is struck stone-dead in front. A huge appeal goes up and the umpire obliges. However, Mosaddek has opted for a review. UltraEdge shows a flat line and Ball Tracking projects the ball to be kissing the leg stump. Three reds and Mosaddek is gone. Bangladesh are 112/5, in deep trouble now.

Trapped in front and given LBW, but Saif has opted for a review. It's a fair delivery to begin with.

Turns from middle to leg, Hossain tickles the length ball to deep fine leg for a single.

Outside off, Hossain cuts it to backward point.

Around off and on a length, Hossain blocks.

Fuller and outside off, Hossain slaps it to the left of long off. Blessing Muzarabani sprints in that direction, dives and brings his long levers to play as he snaps the ball with his left hand. Keeps the batters down to two.

The off-break that spins in, Mosaddek tucks it to mid-wicket.

The carrom ball, short and outside off, Saif hangs back and punches it to long off for a single.

Tossed up, on leg, Mosaddek Hossain flicks it to short fine leg.

Flatter, on leg, Saif Hassan flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Flatter, on leg, Saif Hassan flicks it to mid-wicket.

Fired in, outside off, Saif Hassan looks to cut it but misses.

Much fuller, on off, Saif Hassan pushes it to cover.

Turning in, on middle, Mosaddek Hossain knocks it to mid on for a single.

Drops it short, on off, Saif Hassan stabs it back to the bowler.

A bit short, on off, Saif Hassan punches it to cover.

Tossed up, on leg, Saif Hassan flicks it to mid-wicket.

Fired in, on middle, Mosaddek Hossain knocks it to mid on for a single.

Flatter, on off, Mosaddek Hossain flicks it to mid-wicket.

Drops it short, on off, Mosaddek Hossain stabs it to mid on.

Flatter, on off, Mosaddek Hossain drives it to cover for a single.

Drops it short, on leg, Mosaddek Hossain tucks it to mid-wicket.

A bit short, on off, Saif Hassan punches it to extra cover for a single.

Fullish, on leg, Mosaddek Hossain knocks it to mid on for one.

Keeps it full, on off, Mosaddek Hossain pushes it to cover.

A full toss, on off, Saif Hassan tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Flatter, on leg, Mosaddek Hossain tucks it to mid-wicket.

Full and straight, Mosaddek Hossain stabs it back to the bowler.

FOUR! That's a good shot! Short and wide, Mosaddek Hossain opens the face of his bat and guides it through short third for a boundary. 100 comes up for Bangladesh.

Mosaddek Hossain is the next batter.

OUT! LBW! What a review from Sikandar Raza as he dismisses his opposite number. A bit short, on leg, Towhid Hridoy looks to tuck it but misses and wears it high on his pads as the ball spins back in sharply. A loud appeal for LBW, but turned down. Raza consults with the keeper before sending it upstairs to have a check. Nothing on UltraEdge and Ball Tracking shows three reds with the ball crashing into the leg stump. The on-field decision is overturned to OUT. And the Chevrons are charged up to bits. From 47/0, Bangladesh have slipped to 97/4. They still need 175 runs to win.

A bit short, on off, Towhid Hridoy cuts it to backward point. The fielder dives to his right and makes a good stop. Dot.

Three runs! Fullish, outside off, Saif Hassan steers it through covers. The fielder, Burl, has a long chase and manages to haul the ball back into the playing area before crashing into the ropes. The replay confirms that it is a clean effort and Burl has saved a run for his side.

Fired in, on leg, Saif Hassan flicks it to square leg for a single.

Too full, on middle, Towhid Hridoy digs it to mid on for a single.

Flatter, outside off, Towhid Hridoy slaps it to point.

A low full toss, on off, Saif Hassan drives it to cover for a single.

Full again, outside off, Saif Hassan eases it to cover.

Fullish, on off, Saif Hassan pushes it to mid off.

DRINKS! Bangladesh are 91/3 after 15 overs and are well in control of the chase. They need 181 runs in 210 balls now. Saif Hassan and Towhid Hridoy are looking good at the moment, and they will try to build a gritty stand from here on. Zimbabwe will try to hunt for wickets to get back into the game. Let's see how it pans out. Wellington Masakadza comes into the attack now.

Shortish, on off, Towhid Hridoy punches it to cover.

Too full, outside off, Saif Hassan drives it to cover for a single.

Fired in, on off, Towhid Hridoy tucks it to mid-wicket for one again.

Quicker, on leg, Saif Hassan turns it to mid-wicket for one more.

A bit short, on off, Towhid Hridoy tucks it to square leg for a single.

Quicker, on off, Towhid Hridoy pushes it to cover.

Some spin as Sikandar Raza comes into the attack now.

A maiden from Newman Nyamhuri. Full and on leg, Saif Hassan blocks it to mid on.

Five dots now! Back of a length, on off, Saif Hassan punches it to cover.

Nice and full, on off, Saif Hassan fends it to mid off.

Full and straight, Saif Hassan blocks it back to the bowler.

Hits the deck hard, on off, Saif Hassan punches it to cover.

Fullish, on off, Saif Hassan stabs it to mid off.

Much fuller, outside off, Towhid Hridoy looks to drive it but gets an inside edge onto his pads. Dot. That's a good over from Brad Evans.

Hits the deck hard, outside off, Towhid Hridoy shoulders arms at it.

Shaping away, outside off, Towhid Hridoy leaves it alone.

Wide! Down the leg side, Towhid Hridoy leaves it alone.

Good length, on middle and leg, Towhid Hridoy tucks it through mid-wicket for a brace.

A tad fuller, on off, Towhid Hridoy pushes it to point.

Shaping in, on off, Towhid Hridoy eases it to mid off.

Bangs it short, on off, Saif Hassan fends it back to the bowler.

Down the leg side, Saif Hassan tickles it to fine leg for a brace.

FOUR! That's a glorious cover drive! Full and outside off, Saif Hassan leans onto it and cracks a drive through covers for a magnificent boundary.

Fullish, on middle, Towhid Hridoy taps it to point for a single.

FOUR! Hridoy is lucky to survive that one. The ball nips back in off a good length, he looks to tuck it across the line, and it thumps into him. Everyone around the bat goes up at once, the bowler, the slips and the keeper, all pleading for the LBW. While they appeal, the ring fielder’s throw from backward point misses its mark and trickles away to the rope to the leg side. Zimbabwe send it upstairs for a review, but UltraEdge shows a spike as the ball passes the inside part of the bat. Not out, and Zimbabwe lose a review, and are left with just one.

Wide! Down the leg side, Towhid Hridoy looks to flick it but misses.

Hits the deck hard, outside off, Towhid Hridoy leaves it alone.

Good length, on off, Towhid Hridoy looks to flick it but gets an inside edge as the ball rolls towards short fine leg. They collect a single.

Keeps it full, on middle, Towhid Hridoy eases it back to the bowler.

Wide! A wayward bouncer, on off, Towhid Hridoy leaves. Wide called for height.

Shaping in, on off, Towhid Hridoy tucks it through mid-wicket for a brace.

Fullish, on middle, Towhid Hridoy blocks it back to the bowler.

Towhid Hridoy is the new batter.

OUT! LBW! Brad Evans gets the big fish. Fullish, angling in, on off. Najmul Hossain Shanto stays back and looks to loft it but misses and wears it on his pads. A loud appeal and the finger goes up straightaway. Clear gap on UltraEdge and Ball Tracking shows three reds. The onfield decision of OUT stays. Shanto walks back into the shed and Bangladesh are reduced to 66/3, needing 206 runs.

Angling in, on off, Najmul Hossain Shanto punches it through covers for a brace.

Powerplay 2 time! Zimbabwe can now have a maximum of 4 fielders outside the 30-yard circle, until the 40th over. With that, Brad Evans is back into the attack, replacing Blessing Muzarabani.

OUT! FANTASTIC CATCH! Muzarabani will be the most relieved man out there. Excellent bowling by Newman. He bangs it hard into the pitch, on off, nipping in. That certainly cramps Tanzid for space but he still goes for the cut shot but it is too close to play that kind of a shot. Ends up chipping it towards backward point. Ryan Burl, the sub fielder, dives to scoop the dipping ball inches before the ground. The Chevrons flock together to celebrate a massive wicket as Tanzid was looking too dangerous and unstoppable. Bangladesh are 66/2 in 10 overs, needing 206 runs from 240 balls.

FOUR! That's very casual from Muzarabani. At first look, everyone thought he had it covered as it went at a catchable height. Newman is shocked, Sikandar Raza, stunned. Hands on hips for Blessing. Too short and too wide, and Tanzid needs no invitation. He throws the bat at it and sends it skimming flat and fast towards deep third. Blessing Muzarabani, stationed out there, picks it up late as the floodlights swallow the ball, and by the time he reacts it is already past him and into the boundary.

Very full on the stumps, Tanzid forces it down to mid on.

SIX! That's the first biggie of the chase and Tanzid moves to 42! Nyamhuri shortens the length, on off and middle. Hasan lets the ball angle into him and whips it over deep backward square leg for half a dozen runs.

Shapes away a shy bit, outside off, Hasan lets it be.

Good-length, angling away at 137.1 kph. Najmul Hossain Shanto is squared up but deliberately opens the bat face to guide it behind for a single at deep third.

That was a testing over by Muzarabani. 5-0-15-1 so far for him. Bangladesh need 217 runs from 246 balls.

Goes fuller now, around off, Hasan leans on and taps it to cover-point.

Beaten again! Spikes up off a length, outside off and angles away from the batter. Hasan dangles the bat away from his body and gets beaten on the outside edge by a kitten-whisker.

Full and on off, Hasan presses forward and defends it to mid off.

Well bowled! This one deviates into the batter, short in length, on top of off. Hasan is cut in half as he looks to block but gets beaten on the inside edge. Tanzid is stunned by the late movement.

Back of a length, on the leg stump, this is steered to deep backward square leg for a single.

What a delivery! Muzarabani is using his height to his benefit and is extracting good lift off the track. In the channel on a length, nipping away with a fair bit of bounce. Najmul Hossain Shanto is half-forward to defend but the ball zips past his bat.

Too full and outside off, Hasan leans forward to drive but slices it to the right of backward point. The ball is speeding towards the fence, but Muzarabani sprints from deep third, puts in a slide to his right and makes a fine stop with his hands. Two runs taken.

A tad full and outside off, Tanzid knocks it to the cover fielder.

Sees the batter charge down the track and shortens the length by bowling in the bodyline to cramp him for space. Tanzid adjusts nicely and fends it to the leg side with soft hands.

FOUR! Oh, shot! That's pure timing by Tanzid which brings the 50 up for Bangladesh! Very full on the leg stump, drifting onto the pads. Tanzid Hasan rolls his wrists and nails the flick through mid-wicket for a rapid boundary.

Straight and full, outside off, solidly defended off the front foot to point.

Close call! Newman spears it on a fuller length and attacks the pads. Tanzid is rushed on the flick and plays over the wrong line. The ball zips past the inside edge and strikes the front pad. A huge appeal for LBW, but not given. Drifting down leg by the looks of it. Sikandar consults with his bowler and the keeper before going upstairs for a review. Nothing on the UltraEdge. Ball Tracking confirms that the impact is in line of the stumps but the ball is brushing the leg stump on umpire's call. Zimbabwe do not lose the review but do not get the wicket either.

What a beauty! Full ball that shapes back from outside off, Najmul Hossain Shanto goes for the drive but gets beaten all ends up on the inside edge.

Outside off and full, watchfully left by Shanto.

Back of a length, on off, Shanto knocks it to the off side.

Wide! Far outside off, beyond the tramline. No one's playing that.

Blessing breaks the opening stand of 47 runs and is pumped up to bits. Najmul Hossain Shanto is in at number 3.

OUT! EDGED AND CAUGHT! Sensational catch in the slip. And Zimbabwe have their first breakthrough. Good length, shaping away from the left-hander with bounce. Sarkar is forced to play at it due to the angle. He pokes at it away from his body. The outside edge flies low towards second slip, where Brian Bennett dives to his right and holds a neat catch. Bangladesh are 47/1, chasing 272 runs.

Swings in from a good length, tight on the stumps, Sarkar tucks it off the inner half to mid-wicket.

Beaten! Generates extra bounce off the surface, short and outside off, Sarkar prepares for a square cut over point but gets beaten as the ball nips away.

Double change? Not for now. Blessing Muzarabani continues. 3-0-13-0 so far.

Fuller in length, outside off, holding up a bit. Tanzid Hasan prods forward to drive it away but ends up chipping it uppishly. However, he finds the gap between cover and point for a couple of runs.

Nagging length, outside off, Tanzid is happy to leave it alone.

FOUR! All runs scored off boundaries by Tanzid so far as he moves to 28. Overcorrects himself, does Nyamhuri and errs it on a length, down leg. Hasan uses the pace, and a simple tickle behind to deep fine leg earns him a boundary.

FOUR! Excellently played! On a short of a length, around off, Tanzid camps back, rides the bounce and punches it crisply to the right of the diving cover-point fielder to pick up another boundary. His sixth so far.

Beauty! An outswinging delivery, full and wide outside off, Tanzid does not move his feet much and goes for an expansive drive to the off side, but the ball keeps leaving him and flirts past the outside edge.

Starts with a length ball, outside off, Tanzid hops to cut it away but gets an inside edge and the ball goes on the bounce to the keeper. Brendan Taylor dives to his right and grabs it.

Live visuals from the Bangladeshi dugout show that Towhid Hridoy's left elbow is being strapped up by the physio. Newman Nyamhuri comes in as the first bowling change, replacing Brad Evans.

A bit full on the stumps, Sarkar strokes it to mid-wicket.

Back of a length, around leg, Soumya hangs back and nudges it to mid-wicket.

FOUR! Cracked away neatly! Short of a length, just outside off, Sarkar swivels and pulls it over square leg. One bounce and into the fence for four.

Three dots in a row! Slams it hard into the deck, on off, Sarkar gets right behind the line and blocks it down.

Outside the off stump, short in length, Soumya stands up on the toes and cuts it straight to backward point.

Short on top of leg, Sarkar stabs it down the surface.

Length-delivery, around off, crisply punched off the back foot to cover. 13 runs off the over.

Nagging length, around off, Hasan blocks it off the back foot.

FIVE WIDES! Oh, no! Nothing going Zimbabwe's way right now. On a fuller length, down the leg stump line. It further shapes in and beats Tanzid's attempted flick. Shoots to the right of Taylor and runs to the fence.

Full and outside off, inviting the drive, but Tanzid is happy to leave.

FOUR! Onto it in a flash! Hits the length very hard, does Evans. Tanzid hangs back, fetches it from outside off and pulls it in front of square, over mid-wicket for a boundary. He is some fine touch out there, is Hasan.

FOUR! No need to run for that. What a classic shot! Short of a length, around the off stump, arriving at a good height. Tanzid Hasan lets his hands through and punches it magnificently through the cover-point gap for a cracking boundary. That just pinged off his bat.

Outside off on a length, Tanzid tries the square cut but ends up chopping it off the inner half of his bat to the off side.

Short of a good length, on top of off, Sarkar hops on the toes and tucks it to mid-wicket.

Swing and a miss! Lures the batter to play at it, on a good length, outside off, Sarkar pokes at it but the ball shapes away and whistles past the outside edge.

Angles outside off again, on a length, Sarkar leaves.

Hits the deck hard, outside off, let through.

FOUR! Oh, what was that? A short ball on top of of the stumps. It lifts off the surface and takes Sarkar by complete surprise. He sways away and takes his eyes off the ball but cannot drop his bat down in time, keeping it hanging up there with its face open. The ball just pings off and flies over short third for a boundary.

Hammered on a length, outside off, Sarkar shoulders arms.

Fuller in length now, outside off, Tanzid leaves it alone.

FOUR! Up and over! Top shot. On a length, outside off, Tanzid advances down the track and smashes it over wide mid off for a cracking boundary.

Beauty! Great comeback by Evans! Back of a length, angling across the southpaw. Tanzid Hasan does not move his feet and pokes at it with hard hands, but the ball cuts away to zip past the outside edge.

FOUR! Helped away! Ordinary delivery, down leg, Hasan uses the pace and just tickles it to deep fine leg. No one there and the ball speeds to the ropes.

A touch fuller, shaping in at 130 kph, Sarkar tries to defend but gets a massive inside edge. The ball rolls to deep fine leg for a single.

Nagging length, around off, in the channel, Sarkar trusts the bounce and lets it pass.

A mixed-bag of a first over from Blessing. Brad Evans to operate from the other end. Two slips in place.

On a length, outside off, angling away, Hasan shoulders arms.

Beats everyone! This one just goes underground after landing, on a good length, wide outside off, Tanzid is beaten all ends up while looking to block. It also beats the keeper to his left and rolls behind for a couple of byes.

Angled across on a good length, Tanzid watchfully leaves it. Good bounce and carry for Blessing as the keeper, Tsiga, collects it in front of his face.

Kicks up from a good length, on leg, Hasan hops off and fends it to square leg.

Zips through, full and outside off at 133.7 kph, Hasan has a loose waft at it but the ball shapes away to beat his outside edge.

FOUR! Hammered away! Short of a length on middle and off, Tanzid picks the length early, gets into a great position and pulls it over mid-wicket for a cracking boundary.

NO BALL! Oh, dear! A freebie first up. Free Hit coming up. Blessing oversteps and bowls a short one, outside off with a good lift. Tanzid lets it pass.

IN THE AIR AND PUT DOWN! Good length and outside off, angled across. Nyamhuri stays deep in his crease and looks to slap it over mid off, but it hits high on the bat and lobs up towards mid off. Shanto races across from extra cover and gets under it, but he can’t hold on. It was Sarkar’s catch to take, standing at mid off, and the ball skews on towards the long off fence. Sarkar sprints back to mop up and the batters take three. Zimbabwe finish at 271/8 with 11 runs coming off the final over.

Smart bowling! A full delivery, wide outside off, Newman Nyamhuri shuffles across to play the slog sweep but fails to connect as the ball zips past his bat.

Wide! Reload! Tries to keep away from the hitting arc, too full and outside off, Newman Nyamhuri lets it be. A tight call by the umpire as that was flirting with the tramline, angling across.

Very full and outside off, Wellington smashes it to the right of mid off for a single. This has been a solid comeback by Mustafizur after going for a six off the first ball. But can he finish well?

Well bowled! At 129.7 kph, this is bashed into the pitch, outside off, Wellington Masakadza looks to hit it over covers but gets no connection.

Beaten! This is at pace, full and outside off, Wellington Masakadza tries to loft it over the leg side, going across the line but misses to connect as the ball stays low to beat the inside edge.

SIX! SUPERB HIT! Lands it in the slot, full on middle and off, Wellington Masakadza shuffles across, gets down on a knee and slog sweeps it cleanly over deep backward square leg for half a dozen important runs.

Righto, time for the final over of the first innings. Can Zimbabwe get to 270? Mustafizur Rahman (9-2-33-0) will wrap it up.

Another appeal for LBW, but not given. Bangladesh have exhausted all their reviews. Back of a length, slower one, nipping in on top of off, Newman Nyamhuri has a heave across the line but misses and is hit on the back thigh. Clearly passing over the stumps, this one.

A toe-crushing yorker on the stumps, Wellington Masakadza's head falls over as he looks to flick but gets a leading edge and the ball rolls down to long off for a single.

A thigh high full toss, outside off, Nyamhuri strokes it to deep extra cover for a single.

SIX! WOWZA! Newman is playing a crucial hand for his team. Taskin lands it on a good length, around the off stump line, Newman Nyamhuri swings it wonderfully over deep mid-wicket for a massive six.

Pitching slightly outside leg at 111.3 kph, full in length, Wellington Masakadza clears the front leg to slog it over mid-wicket but misses and the ball deflects off the pads, rolls to backward point and they get a leg bye. An animated appeal from Taskin for LBW, but the umpire shakes his head. That clearly landed outside leg.

BEATEN! Slower length ball, on top of off, Wellington Masakadza tries the pull shot, swings hard but the ball skids and beats his inside edge.

Penalty for Bangladesh as they have not completed their overs in time. Meaning, an extra fielder will have to be stationed inside the 30-yard circle. Taskin Ahmed will bowl out. 9-2-36-3 so far.

Landed short on middle, at pace now, Newman Nyamhuri hangs back and steers it through mid-wicket. As the ball trickles away and the fielder in the deep runs in off the ropes to pick it up, the batters hustle back for two. This brings the 250 up for Zimbabwe!

Beaten again! Slanted outside off with pace taken off once more. Newman Nyamhuri swings his bat like a rusty gate, doesn't pick the variation and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Deceived expertly! A typical Mustafizur delivery. Slowish, fullish, and cutting away from the batter, angling across. Newman Nyamhuri clears the front leg to tonk it over long on, but gets beaten comprehensively.

Back of a length, around off, Wellington Masakadza stands tall and hammers it down the ground for a single.

Pace off, full on leg, Wellington clips it through square leg and the call is for two. The run the first one hard and turn back for the second as the fielder in the deep runs to his left to cut it off. The throw arrives at the keeper's end but Wellington is quick enough to complete the second run. Excellent piece of running!

Full and angled outside off, Newman drives it to long off for a single.

Mustafizur Rahman is back on. 8-2-27-0 so far.

In the air... drops safely! Short of a length, sharply bouncing off the track, on off, Wellington Masakadza is rushed onto the pull shot and gets a top edge. But luckily for him, the ball lands behind the mid-wicket and mid on fielders and the batters scamper back for the second run.

SIX! OH, HELLO? That's the first six of the match, believe it or not. Slams it hard into the pitch, on off, angling in. Wellington Masakadza picks the length in a trice and hammers the pull shot over Mosaddek Hossain at deep backward square leg for a cracking six. Taskin is not pleased with Mosaddek not trying for the catch but that was fairly travelling over his reach.

Full-ish delivery, angling in on middle, Newman strokes it to mid off and they set off for a quick single. The fielder picks and throws to the keeper but the batters have made to their respective ends by then.

Swing and a miss! Short of a length, outside off, Newman swings with all his might to pull it over the leg side but the ball jags away and beats the bat by a whisker.

Fuller and on the leg stump, flicked wide of mid-wicket for a single.

A big appeal for LBW, but not given! Bangladesh have gone upstairs for a review. Pitched around middle and leg, on a good length and it deviates away to the off stump. Wellington Masakadza looks to flick it from the crease but plays the wrong line and is hit on the back thigh. UltraEdge shows a flat line but the Ball Tracking shows the ball to be pitching outside leg. The on-field decision is upheld and Bangladesh have no reviews left now.

Excellent spell from Shoriful. He finishes with 2/47 in 10 overs, including a maiden.

Short of a length, on middle, Wellington controls the pull shot to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Short-pitched delivery, climbing on the batter, around off, Wellington leaves it alone.

What a comeback this has been from Bangladesh in the backend. Wellington Masakadza is in at number 10.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! That's the wicket Bangladesh were looking for. Shoriful keeps honing in the channel, on a good length, and generates extra bounce off the surface. Brad Evans swooshes hard at it to access the off side, but gets a faint outside edge as the ball nips away. Nurul Hasan takes a simple, straightforward catch. Zimbabwe slip further down and are 234/8.

Nails in a yorker, just around the base of the off stump. Brad Evans fails to dig it out. There's an appeal for caught behind from the keeper and the bowler alike but nothing doing. The ball just dipped below the bat on its way to the keeper.

Wide! Misses the radar completely and sprays it down leg, Evans leaves. Good grab by Nurul by diving to his left.

Big swing and a miss! This one nips into the batter and almost dies after landing. On a length, around off, Brad Evans swings hard to pull but gets beaten on the inside edge.

Beaten! Comes from around the stump and lands it on a length, outside off, Brad Evans looks to cut it square on the off side but the ball nips away with bounce to beat the bat.

Last 5 overs left. Zimbabwe can still get to 250-260 with Evans more than capable of swinging his bat hard in the end. Shoriful Islam (9-1-45-1) to bowl out.

Beaten! Turn and bounce, outside off, Newman Nyamhuri tries to block it but misses.

FOUR! A much-needed boundary for Zimbabwe! Full and outside off, Newman Nyamhuri changes his stance and plays a reverse sweep through backward point for a boundary.

Slower one, on off, Brad Evans knocks it to mid on for one more.

Much fuller, on off, Newman Nyamhuri pushes it to short cover for a quick single.

Angling in, on off, Brad Evans looks to block it but edges it to short third for a single.

Flatter, on leg, Newman Nyamhuri sweeps it through square leg for a single.

Good length, on off, Newman Nyamhuri eases it to short third for a single.

Bangs it short, on leg, Newman Nyamhuri ducks under it.

Newman Nyamhuri is the next batter.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! That's a huge wicket for Bangladesh. Full and outside off, shaping away. Craig Ervine looks to drive it but gets a thick outside edge as the ball carries behind towards the keeper. Nurul Hasan bends low, dives forward and takes a sharp catch, scooping the ball just above the ground. Craig Ervine departs for 93. Wickets are tumbling one after the other here for Zimbabwe.

Keeps it full, on off, Craig Ervine drives it to cover.

Much fuller, on leg, Brad Evans flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

On a length, around off, dabbed away to widish short third for a single.

Nice and full, on off, Brad Evans chips it over mid off for a brace.

Quicker, on off, Brad Evans blocks it to mid off.

Brad Evans is the next batter.

OUT! TAKEN! Rishad Hossain strikes and lets out a huge roar. He has been a bit expensive tonight but manages to end a brisk 38-run partnership. Flatter, on middle, and fuller in length. Wessly Madhevere gets low and sweeps it but doesn't connect well. The ball goes straight in the hands of Soumya Sarkar at deep square leg, who makes no mistake. Zimbabwe fall from 174/3 to 220/6.

Down the leg side, Craig Ervine tickles it to short fine leg for a single.

Flatter, on off, Wessly Madhevere sweeps it to deep square leg for a run.

FOUR! That's a great shot! Full and on off, Wessly Madhevere changes his stance and plays a reverse sweep over backward point for a boundary.

Change of ends for Rishad Hossain.

Fullish, on off, Craig Ervine taps it to cover.

FOUR! THWACK! Back of a length, on middle and leg, Craig Ervine swivels and pulls it powerfully through square leg for a boundary.

Too full, on off, Wessly Madhevere chips it over mid on for a single.

Fullish, on leg, Craig Ervine knocks it to mid on for a single.

DROPPED! A difficult one, though. Slower one, on off, Wessly Madhevere looks to loft it but the ball hits the upper part of his bat. It lobs towards mid on. The fielder, Najmul Hossain Shanto, runs forward and dives and has the ball in his grasp, but the moment his elbows hit the ground, the ball just pops out and rolls away. They collect a single.

Good length, on off, Wessly Madhevere pushes it to point.

FOUR! That's a terrific shot! Fullish, on off, Craig Ervine gets low and plays a reverse sweep through backward point for a boundary.

Fired in, on off, Wessly Madhevere knocks it to mid on for a single.

Flatter, on leg, Wessly Madhevere eases it to mid on.

Short, on off, Wessly Madhevere blocks it to mid off.

Fullish, on leg, Craig Ervine chips it over mid-wicket for a single. He wanted a second run but was sent back. The fielder throws it towards the bowler who fails to collect the ball as Craig Ervine dives into his crease. Perhaps a direct hit would have been close.

Flatter, outside off, Craig Ervine looks to paddle it over short fine leg but misses and wears it on his pads. An appeal for LBW but nothing from the umpire. Clearly, the impact was outside off.

Despite losing two big wickets in a quick span, Zimbabwe still have managed to score a touch over 5 runs an over with Ervine evidently switching gears. Time for the final Powerplay. Bangladesh will be allowed to have a maximum of 5 fielders outside the 30-yard circle till the end.

Flat and full, on off, blocked straight back.

FOUR! A loosener from Rishad and that's put away! Full in length, but sliding down the leg stump. Wessly Madhevere moves to the off side and despite the bottom hand coming off the handle, he manages to sweep it into the deep fine leg gap for a boundary. 200 up for Zimbabwe with that hit.

Drifted on to the leg stump, on a length, Wessly Madhevere tucks it to short mid-wicket.

A loopy ball that turns in from outside off, on a length. Craig Ervine backs away, plays it late and dabs it to deep third for a single.

FOUR! Outstanding shot from Ervine! Flatter, fuller and outside off, Craig Ervine picks the length early, gets down on a knee and nails the reverse sweep, bisecting backward point and short third fielders for a boundary. He moves to 80 with that four.

FOUR! Pleasing to the eyes! A lot fuller on off, into the slot. Ervine takes a step forward and lofts it marvellously over the mid off fielder for a boundary.

Rishad Hossain is back on. 6-0-37-0 so far for him and he replaces Taskin Ahmed.

FOUR! Gloriously played! Pitched fuller and outside the off stump, Wessly Madhevere leans onto it and smashes it through cover-point for a cracking boundary.

Full and on off, pushed back to the bowler.

Full in length, around off, Ervine drives it to long off for a single.

Full on middle and drifting in, clipped to short mid-wicket.

Pushed through, full on leg, Wessly Madhevere paddles it uppishly to the right of square leg for a single.

As they say, one brings two. Bangladesh have punched back hard in the last few overs. Pressure back on Zimbabwe. Wessly Madhevere is in at number 7.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Wickets off successive overs for Saif and that's a massive one. Full and sprayed down the leg side, with the ball turning back in. Raza looks to sweep it fine, but the ball skips up a touch and catches the right glove. It pops behind, and Nurul behind the stumps is quick to react. He fumbles at first, then gathers it on the second attempt to his left. No impact from the skipper as Raza trudges off. Zimbabwe are 182/5 down now.

Bends his back and bowls a short one, outside off, Ervine hangs back and knocks it straight to the backward point fielder.

From around the stump. This is short and on off with extra lift off the surface. Ervine looks to pull but gets an inside edge as the ball bounces to the left of the keeper.

Nearly a yorker, on off, Raza plays with a straight bat and drills it between mid on and mid off. The man from mid on cuts it off and keeps the batters to a single only.

Overpitched, outside off, Ervine strokes it to deep cover-point for a single.

Short of a length, outside off, 128.1 kph. Crisply punched to the left of deep point for two more.

Slams it hard into the pitch, short and outside off, Craig goes for the pull shot but gets beaten by the pace and bounce.

Quicker and fuller, outside off, driven away to deep cover for a single.

Good length, outside off stump, turning in, Raza hangs back and dabs the ball in front of point for a quick single.

Full ball on off stump, Raza sinks the back knee and sweeps it powerfully to the left of deep backward square leg for a couple of runs.

Full and flat, on middle, Raza leans on and pushes it back to the bowler.

One shot too many for Taylor. He was productive through his sweeps and reverse sweeps, but in the end, he got consumed by attempting one. Sikandar Raza, the captain, walks in at number 6.

OUT! CAUGHT! Change in bowling works wonders for Bangladesh as Saif breaks the 150-run stand. Tosses it up nicely, lands it full and in front of the sticks. Brendan Taylor goes for the reverse sweep but gets a top edge that flies to the cover-point region. The ball dips on Mosaddek Hossain who dives forward and scoops it before the ground. Bangladesh needed that wicket desperately and they are delighted to see the back of Taylor who was inching to his century. Zimbabwe are 174/4 in 36.2 overs.

The 150-run partnership is up between Ervine and Taylor! Starts from around the stumps and lands it full, around off, Ervine drives it through cover for a single.

Saif Hassan is brought into the attack now, replacing Taskin Ahmed. Bowler number 7 for Bangladesh.

Fuller than a length, on off, Taylor steers it to the mid-wicket region using soft hands.

Spears in a full ball, on the leg stump, Craig goes for a flick across the line, but gets a leading edge. The ball bobbles up and sails over the point fielder for a single.

Back of a length, outside off, Taylor cuts it off the back foot to deep point for a single.

A bit short and outside off, Craig hangs back and square cuts it behind cover-point for a single.

Beauty! Angles away from the left-hander, on a good length. Craig Ervine stays put and looks to defend, but the ball nips away to beat the outside edge and almost brushes the bail on the off stump on its way to the keeper. A peach of a delivery.

Seemingly a slower one, on a length, Taylor waits on it and steers it wide of mid-wicket for a single.

As Bangladesh desperately hunt for wickets, Taskin Ahmed (6-2-18-3) is summoned back into the attack. He has taken all three wickets so far.

A little bit of turn into the batter, full in length, Brendan Taylor looks to flick it away but gets a faint inside edge onto the pads. The ball then deflects behind to the short third region for a single.

Almost a full toss, on middle, Taylor sits across and laps it to short fine leg.

A bit fuller, on off, spinning away. Craig chips it inside-out, over cover for a single.

Too full on the stumps, Taylor flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

A bit short, on off, Craig is pushed back and punches it to wide long off for a single.

FOUR! A four after a long while for Zimbabwe! Full from around the stumps, on off. Craig Ervine gets down on a knee and sweeps it firmly behind backward square leg for a boundary.

Superb stuff from 'The Fizz'. He has managed to keep the batters quiet in this spell. Right, 34 overs have been bowled. Bangladesh have picked up one of the two balls in operation for the rest of the innings. Mosaddek Hossain is back into the attack.

Beaten again! Slants it across the right-hander, a touch fuller, Brendan Taylor has a loose waft at it and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Shortens the length now, on middle, Taylor swivels and pulls it straight to short mid-wicket.

Beats the bat! Another deceptive slower one, full and going across the batter, outside off. Taylor's feet go nowhere as he looks to drive through cover. The ball nips away and beats the outside edge by a whisker.

The off-cutter now, on a length, around off, Taylor defends it with soft hands and the ball spins behind, rolls to the keeper.

Wide! Way too short, down leg and over the head as well. Let through by Taylor.

Banged short on top of the leg stump, Taylor sways away and drops his wrists to leave.

Slows it up, full on off, Taylor presses forward and taps it to cover.

Back of a length, on leg, Taylor steers it behind square on the leg side for a single.

Short of a length again and this is firmly pulled to deep square leg for a single.

A bit short, angled into the batter, Ervine hangs back and nudges it to the left of short mid-wicket. By the time the sweeper rushes to his right and picks the ball in the deep, the two veterans complete the second run.

On a length, on leg, Craig works it to deep mid-wicket and they hustle back for the second run.

Ervine survives! Bashed on a length, and slanted into the batter with a bit of an inward deviation. Craig Ervine gets across, covers the stumps to steer it to the leg side but the ball skids, beats the bat and strikes his thigh pad hard. A confident appeal for LBW and up goes the finger. Joy in the Bangladeshi camp after a long time, but Ervine has opted for a review. UltraEdge shows no bat involved but the Ball Tracking saves Ervine as it shows the ball to be missing the leg stump on height. Missing by a hair's breadth and the players of Bangladesh cannot believe it. Smiles turn into disappointment.

Back of a length, outside off, Brendan Taylor looks to dab it away with soft hands, but gets a thick outside edge. With no slip in place, the ball beats Nurul to his right and rolls to the left of deep third for a single.

Second maiden for Mustafizur! Fuller in length, around off, Ervine mistimes the drive to the cover region.

Banged short over the shoulder of the batter, on the bodyline, Ervine ducks under it. First bounce signalled.

Slower length ball, outside off, Ervine hangs back and dabs the off-cutter to short third. He looks keen for a single, takes a few steps forward but Brendan sends him back on a sharp call. Four dots on the trot.

Short of a length, on middle and leg, Ervine stays put, plays it late and defends it to backward point.

Going down leg, full in length, Ervine misses the flick. The ball deflects off the front pad and rolls back to the keeper. Nurul dives to his right and gathers it behind the stumps.

Full and angling into the batter, Craig flicks it to short mid-wicket.

Drinks Break! The floodlights are glittering in Abu Dhabi, and the two veterans, Taylor and Ervine, are shining under them with a resilient 129-run partnership, with both notching respective fifties and looking largely untroubled now. Taskin's three-wicket burst had sent back the top three, but Zimbabwe have since taken control. The spinners have struggled to grip the ball and have made little impact, which will worry Bangladesh, and the seamers haven’t been all that threatening either in this middle phase. They will be desperate for the break to bring some respite and a way to end this marathon stand. The platform is set for Zimbabwe for a 260-270 kind of finish. Mustafizur Rahman (5-0-19-0) is back on, replacing Rishad Hossain. Can he break through?

Short ball outside off stump, Ervine pulls the ball down to deep mid-wicket for a single.

A touch short on the leg stump, Taylor whips it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

A massive missed opportunity for Bangladesh! On the last ball of the 30th over, there was an appeal for LBW, which was turned down by the umpire. However, with just one review left, Bangladesh didn't take the risk of reviewing. Ball Tracking now shows that the ball was crashing into the middle and the leg stump. Even the keeper, Nurul, didn't pick it up. Some stunned faces in the Bangladeshi camp.

Beaten! Short of a length, outside off, Taylor hangs back to cut but the ball springs off the pitch to beat his angled bat.

Slower one, too full and outside off, Taylor carves it out to backward point.

A bit short on the stumps, Ervine whips it off the back foot to deep backward square leg for a single.

Fuller one, on middle and leg, this is flicked to deep fine leg for a single which brings the 150 up for Zimbabwe!

Another wicket-less phase of 10 overs for Bangladesh. Crucially, their spinners haven't been able to make any sort of impact so far with Zimbabwe adding 63 runs in the 21-30 over phase.

Turning in, on middle, Craig Ervine looks to block it but gets a slight inside edge onto his pads. A loud appeal for LBW but nothing from the umpire. They go against the review. Oh wait, the replays are out. There was no bat involved and the ball was hitting the stumps. Bangladesh have missed a big opportunity here.

Fullish, on leg, Brendan Taylor sweeps it through square leg for a single.

Quicker, on leg, Craig Ervine flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Fullish, on off, Brendan Taylor pushes it to mid off for a single.

Fifty up for Craig Ervine! Fullish, on off, Craig Ervine drives it through extra covers for a single. A fantastic knock in a tough situation. This is his 26th ODI fifty and receives warm applause from his teammates. He acknowledges with a calm raise of his bat.

Much fuller, on off, Craig Ervine plays a reverse sweep towards third man for a couple of runs.

Hits the deck hard, on leg, Craig Ervine tugs it through square leg for a single.

Angling in, on off, Craig Ervine tucks it to mid-wicket.

Much fuller, on leg, Brendan Taylor flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Good length, on off, rising up steeply after landing. Brendan Taylor is taken by surprise by the sudden lift but fends it off the glove to widish mid-wicket.

Bangs it short, on leg, Craig Ervine tugs it through backward square leg for a single.

Back of a length, on off, Brendan Taylor taps it to point for a single.

Fired in, on off, Brendan Taylor chips it over mid on for a single.

A full toss, on leg, Craig Ervine flicks it to square leg. A misfield allows the batters to collect a single.

Down the leg side, Brendan Taylor helps it to fine leg for a single.

Flatter, on leg, Craig Ervine tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Turning in, on off, Craig Ervine blocks it back to the bowler.

Fullish, on off, Craig Ervine plays a reverse sweep towards backward point. Dot.

Nice and full, on off, Brendan Taylor stabs it back to the bowler.

Much fuller, on leg, Brendan Taylor flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a brace.

Fullish, outside off, Craig Ervine taps it to cover for a single.

Slightly shorter, on off, Brendan Taylor eases it to cover for a single.

FOUR! Brendan Taylor is in some form! Back of a length, on leg, Taylor latches onto it and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Hits the deck hard, on off, Craig Ervine punches it to cover for a single.

Wide! Down the leg side, Craig Ervine looks to flick it but misses.

Nice and full, on middle, Brendan Taylor blocks it back to the bowler.

FOUR MORE! Back-to-back boundaries from Taylor! Fullish, on off, Brendan Taylor picks it well and chips it over wide of mid off for a boundary. A 100-run partnership comes up between this duo now.

FOUR! That's a magnificent shot! Flatter, on middle and leg, Brendan Taylor gets down on one knee and sweeps it past backward square leg for a boundary.

Quicker, on off, Craig Ervine pushes it to cover for a single.

A bit short, on leg, Brendan Taylor tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Fired in, on leg, Craig Ervine flicks it to square leg for a single.

Zimbabwe are 114/3 at the halfway stage of the first innings. Rishad Hossain continues...

Nice and full, on off, Brendan Taylor pushes it to extra cover.

Too full, on leg, Craig Ervine flicks it to square leg for a single.

Angling in, on off, Brendan Taylor punches it to cover for a single.

Too full, on leg, Craig Ervine flicks it to square leg for a single.

Fifty up for Brendan Taylor! Fullish, on leg, Brendan Taylor flicks it to mid-wicket for a single. That's a well-composed knock from Taylor to get to his 40th ODI half-century. Undoubtedly, he has been a serious run-accumulator for his team over the years. He has led the recovery for Zimbabwe today and will look to convert this into triple figures.

A bit short from Soumya Sarkar, on leg, Craig Ervine tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Soumya Sarkar comes into the attack now.

A bit short, on off, Craig Ervine punches it to point for a single.

Quicker, on middle, Craig Ervine blocks it back to the bowler.

FOUR! That's a beautiful shot! Fullish, on middle, Craig Ervine makes room and times it perfectly over the bowler's head for a boundary. The balance, head position and the timing - everything perfect on that one.

An arm ball, on leg, Brendan Taylor tucks it to mid-wicket for a run.

Fullish, on middle, Craig Ervine plays a reverse sweep towards point for a single.

Fullish, on leg, Craig Ervine flicks it to mid-wicket.

Much fuller, on leg, Craig Ervine flicks it through square leg for a single.

Much fuller, on off, Craig Ervine blocks it back to the bowler.

Wide! Way down leg on a length, and Craig Ervine swings at it off the back foot and misses. The effort throws him off balance and his back leg lifts off the ground for a moment before he plants it again. The keeper, Nurul Hasan, gathers the ball and whips off the bails, and the appeal for a stumping goes up. The umpire sends it upstairs, but the replays show Ervine was well inside the crease all along.

Fullish, on middle, Brendan Taylor flicks it to square leg for a single. That brings up the 100 for Zimbabwe!

Quicker, on middle, Brendan Taylor blocks it back to the bowler.

FOUR! What a terrific shot! A bit short, just outside off, Brendan Taylor makes room and steers it magnificently through covers for a boundary.

Nice and full, on leg, Brendan Taylor flicks it through square leg for a brace.

Fullish, on off, Brendan Taylor digs it to cover for a run.

Too full, on off, Brendan Taylor eases it back to the bowler.

Short and wide, Craig Ervine slaps it to point for a single.

Quicker, on leg, Brendan Taylor flicks it to square leg for a single.

Nice and full, on off, Brendan Taylor eases it to mid off.

Flatter, on leg, Craig Ervine flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Fires in a scorching yorker, slightly down the leg side, Brendan Taylor looks to block it but wears it on his pads. Going down leg anyway, so no appeal. Dot.

Drops it short, on off, Craig Ervine punches it to cover for a single.

A bit short, on off, Craig Ervine stabs it to mid off.

Too full, on middle, Brendan Taylor flicks it through square leg for a single.

Quicker, on middle, Brendan Taylor pushes it to mid on.

Fullish, on off, Craig Ervine knocks it to mid off for a single.

A productive phase for Zimbabwe. They have scored 56 runs in the 11-20 over period, but more importantly, without losing any wickets. These two veterans have combined to add 62 runs so far. Quite a decent comeback after being reduced to 24/3. Spin from both ends, then. Mosaddek Hossain (3-0-16-0) has a change of ends. He replaces Mustafizur Rahman.

A smidge short, outside off, Ervine hangs back and cuts it behind point for a single.

Flat and short, but down leg, Brendan Taylor misses the pull and the ball deflects off the thigh pad, rolls to the left of short fine leg. They collect a leg bye.

Half an appeal for LBW, but turned down! In-dipper, full on off, spinning in, Taylor prepares for the reverse sweep but seems to have gotten a slight inside edge onto the pads.

Low full toss, on leg, this is flicked away to deep mid-wicket for a single.

A loopy full ball, on the leg stump, Ervine drags his bat in front while sinking his back knee and laps it to deep fine leg for a couple of runs.

Starts with a full toss on off, Taylor creams it down to long off for a single.

Rishad Hossain is introduced into the attack now. He replaces Mosaddek Hossain. A slip in place.

Full and straight, on off, defended to cover-point.

FOUR! Effortlessly played! Full in length, angling into the pads, Craig Ervine uses his wrists and flicks it to the left of the short mid-wicket fielder. There's a vast vacant real estate in the deep and the ball comfortably trickles to the fence. Ervine moves to 21!

Fuller than a length, on off, Ervine gets a bit across and tucks it to mid-wicket.

Around off on a length, Ervine presses in front and pushes it to mid off.

Attacks the stump with a length ball, on leg, Taylor steers it to deep backward square leg for a single.

Short and outside off, Craig rises up on the toes and dabs it to deep third for a single.

Change in bowling? Nope. Mustafizur continues. 4-1-13-0 so far.

Pitched fuller and on off, Craig leans forward to drive it to long off for a single. That brings up the 50-run partnership between Ervine and Taylor.

Tossed up, full on middle and leg, Ervine defends it back to the bowler.

Fuller around off, Brendan clips it down to long on for a single.

Flat and full, on off, worked to short mid-wicket.

A massive appeal for LBW, but turned down by the umpire! Hridoy has a chat with the bowler and the keeper and with just a second left on the timer, he reviews. A quicker one from Mosaddek, around the off stump, too full. Brendan Taylor tries the reverse sweep but the ball dips under the bat and clicks the boot. UltraEdge shows a flat line when the ball is close to the bat or the glove. Ball Tracking confirms that the impact is outside the off stump. Bangladesh lose the review as the on-field call is upheld. A surprising review, to be very honest.

Full-ish, on off, Taylor flicks it to short mid-wicket where Shanto dives to his left and makes a good stop.

Fuller and on off, Craig solidly defends it off the front foot. A maiden over from 'The Fizz'. Overall, the fourth maiden so far.

Around off on a length, Craig tries to drive it on the rise to the off side, but it nips in and beats the inside edge. Nurul collects the ball around his shoelaces. So it suggests that there's not much bounce.

Slower one, on a good length, but sliding down leg. Craig misses to whip it away but it is called a fair delivery. Should have been given as a wide as the replay detected no contact off the bat or the thigh pad.

Length-delivery, cutting in from off, Craig watches it closely and stabs it back at the bowler.

A touch shorter and on the stumps, Ervine pulls to mid-wicket where Sarkar once again makes a diving stop, this time, to his right. Bangladesh have been lively in the field so far.

Short, nipping in, Craig heaves it to the mid-wicket region where Soumya Sarkar dives to his left and makes a half-stop. Ervine looks for a single but Sarkar is quick to recover. Taylor sends his partner back as the throw arrives to the keeper. Craig is in before the stumps are broken by the keeper.

Flat and full, outside off, Taylor drives it through cover for a couple of runs.

FOUR! Through the gap! A bit short, turning in on the leg stump, Taylor crouches his back leg a bit and pulls it to the left of the diving backward square leg fielder for a boundary. A moment to savour for Taylor as he becomes Zimbabwe's leading run-scorer in ODI cricket, surpassing Andy Flower, who scored 6786 runs in the format in 213 matches.

Fired on a length, on off, turning in, Taylor tucks it to mid-wicket.

Slightly full and outside off, Taylor blocks it with a straight bat.

On off and full, Ervine drives it along the ground to long off for a single.

FOUR! Punished! A genuine drag-downer, on the stumps, Craig Ervine rocks back and powers it between mid-wicket and mid on for a cracking boundary.

Around off and full, Brendan plays close to his body, prods and defends it to point.

Oh, a loopy slower delivery, too full on the stumps, Taylor tries to flick but the bat's face gets closed early. Luckily, the ball immediately goes to ground off the leading edge and trickles to cover-point.

Bit fuller then the previous ball, on off, Taylor knocks it off the inner half of the bat to mid-wicket.

Short of a length, angled across, Brendan nudges it to the square leg region.

Fuller than a length, deviating in and around off, Ervine slashes hard at it, and the ball goes off the outer half of the bat to deep third for a single.

Mustafizur with a change of ends! Nips in from off, on a length, Ervine stabs it to the point region.

Dropped short, on middle, Ervine hangs back and punches it to deep extra cover for a single.

Fuller and on the stumps, Ervine pushes it back to the bowler.

Flatter and very full, on the leg stump. A risky reverse-sweep attempt from Taylor, but he gets a slight top edge as the ball rolls to cover-point for a single. Mosaddek is the only one to appeal for LBW, which is turned down by the umpire.

Spins in from over the stump, from middle to leg, this is clipped to mid-wicket.

Tossed up, full on middle, Craig drives it inside out to widish long off for a single.

Overpitched from around the stump, Ervine drills it out to mid off.

Drinks Break! Taskin Ahmed provided a superb start for Bangladesh through his express pace and there was swing on offer as well early on. Zimbabwe were reduced to 24/3, but since then, Brendan Taylor and Ervine have got together to stabilize things. Taylor in particular has started playing his shots to inflate the scoring rate. This partnership is of huge importance for Zimbabwe if they are to post a competitive total. Anything around 250-260 would be a good score, but for that, at least one of these two will have to bat long. With that said, we will have a first look at spin. Mosaddek Hossain is into the attack, replacing Mustafizur Rahman.

Back of a length, around off, Taylor dabs it fine to deep third. Taskin sprints and dives to his left to save a certain boundary. Two runs taken.

FOUR! A good effort, but goes in vain! Short of a length and wide outside off, 127.2 kph, and Taylor can’t resist. He throws his hands at it and crunches the cut to the left of deep point. The fielder, Saif Hassan, dives but can’t gather it cleanly, and the ball dribbles towards the rope. He picks himself up and flicks it back in just before it crosses, but the third umpire is asked to look, and the replay shows that his right hand is touching the boundary cushions while holding the ball. So it will be a four.

Has Saif Hassan saved a boundary? Doesn't look like he did. He dives to his left to stop the ball but it deflects off his hands and trickles to the fence. He gets up, dives once again to flick it away but his right hand is on contact with the ropes while holding the ball.

Attacks the stumps on a good length, Taylor stabs it down the pitch.

FOUR! Easily done! Short of a length, angling across, Brendan Taylor stands tall, uses the pace and ramps it over the slip fielders for a boundary. An effortless shot by the 40-year-old. 50 up for Zimbabwe as well.

Short and outside off, Ervine cuts it to deep backward point for an easy single.

Jumps up from a good length, on the leg stump, Taylor rides the bounce and steers it to deep backward square leg for a single.

A bit full now, outside off, guided through short third for a single. 10 runs off the over.

FOUR! In complete control now. With the slip moving to mid-wicket, Rahman bowls an overpitched delivery, on the off stump. Taylor hits it through the line and thumps it over the bowler for a cracking boundary. That's 10,000 List A career runs for Brendan Taylor! Simply outstanding from the veteran.

FOUR! Straight as an arrow! Slightly back of a length, on off, Brendan stands tall and forces the drive down the ground. It's not right off the middle of the bat, but has got enough power for the ball to race to the fence.

Around off on a length, Taylor taps it to the point region with soft hands.

Short of a length, doesn't rise much, on off and going across. Taylor defends it off the inner half of the bat to the leg side.

Good-length delivery, on top of off, Craig camps back and guides it to deep third for a single.

Jags back in off a good length, on off. Taylor awkwardly fends it down the pitch.

Nagging length around off, deviating away off the pitch at 133 kph. Brendan tries to nudge it to the leg side, but closes his bat face early. Gets a slight leading edge and the ball rolls to point.

Bangs it hard into the pitch, angles into the batter. Ervine tucks it off the back foot and gets a single as the ball rolls into mid-wicket.

Length or thereabouts, nipping in on off. Craig rides the bounce and stabs it towards point.

FOUR! Gloriously struck! On a back of a length, outside off, Ervine hangs back and nails the square cut through the narrow gap between cover-point and backward point for a boundary.

Very full, outside off, Craig looks to drive it away to the off side but gets an inside edge and the ball rolls back to Ahmed.

Powerplay 2! A maximum of 4 fielders will be allowed outside the inner circle now. Taskin Ahmed continues...

Much fuller, on off, Brendan Taylor stabs it to mid off.

Hits the deck hard, on off, Brendan Taylor blocks it to mid on.

Good length, on middle and leg, Brendan Taylor tucks it to widish deep mid-wicket for a brace.

Beaten! Back of a length, shaping away, outside off. Brendan Taylor has a waft at it but misses.

Fullish, on leg, Brendan Taylor flicks it to mid-wicket.

Shaping away, on off, Brendan Taylor blocks it back to the bowler.

That's a beauty! Back of a length, outside off, and it nips in sharply. Craig Ervine looks to punch it but gets beaten on the inside edge. The ball just misses the top of off. That's also a maiden from Taskin.

Five dots in a row! Angling in, on off, Craig Ervine blocks it back to the bowler.

Much fuller, on off, Craig Ervine stabs it to mid on.

Fullish, on off, Craig Ervine eases it to point.

Keeps it full, on off, Craig Ervine flicks it to short mid-wicket.

Good length, on off, Craig Ervine pushes it to mid off.

FOUR! That's a terrific shot! Full and outside off, Brendan Taylor reaches out to it and slashes it in the gap through point for a boundary. That will ease some pressure.

Five dots now! Shaping away, outside off, Brendan Taylor leaves it alone.

Too full, on leg, Brendan Taylor flicks it to mid-wicket.

Full and straight, Brendan Taylor eases it to mid off.

Back of a length, outside off, Brendan Taylor leaves it alone.

Fullish, on off, Brendan Taylor stabs it to mid off.

Craig Ervine is the next batter.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Wicket number three for Taskin Ahmed. Short ball does the trick for him. He bangs it short, on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga looks to pull it but the ball gets big on him and ends up getting a top edge. The ball then lobs high in the air towards the keeper. Nurul Hasan keeps his eyes on the ball, moves a bit to his right and completes the catch. This is turning out to be a magical first spell from Taskin Ahmed. Tsiga couldn't extend his start on his debut and Zimbabwe have been reduced to 24/3.

Fullish, on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga stabs it back to the bowler.

Hits the deck hard, on leg, Brendan Taylor flicks it over backward square leg for a single.

Too full, angling in, Brendan Taylor blocks it back to the bowler.

Much fuller, on off, Brendan Taylor pushes it to extra cover.

A tad fuller, on leg, Tafadzwa Tsiga tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Much fuller, on off, Brendan Taylor eases it to mid off.

Angling in, on off, Brendan Taylor blocks it back to the bowler.

Nice and full, on off, Brendan Taylor blocks it back to the bowler.

Keeps it full, on off, Brendan Taylor fends it back to the bowler that hits the stumps at the bowler's end. Shoriful Islam had got his hand to it but Tafadzwa Tsiga was well inside the crease.

Another one outside off, Brendan Taylor leaves again.

Shaping away, outside off, Brendan Taylor leaves it alone.

Much fuller, on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga blocks it to mid off.

FOUR! That's a beautiful shot! Full and outside off, Tafadzwa Tsiga leans onto it and cracks a drive through the cover region for a boundary.

Back of a length, outside off, Tafadzwa Tsiga tries to block it but misses.

Good length, angling in, Tafadzwa Tsiga stabs it back to the bowler.

Hits the deck hard, outside off, Brendan Taylor punches it to cover for a boundary.

Brendan Taylor walks in to bat now.

OUT! LBW! Second wicket for Taskin Ahmed. Good length, on middle, with a hint of inward movement. Ben Curran stays back and looks to block it but gets beaten on the inside edge. A loud appeal and the finger goes up straightaway. Ben Curran sends it upstairs to have a check. Nothing on UltraEdge and Ball Tracking shows three reds with the ball projected to crash into the middle stump. The on-field decision of OUT stays. Ben Curran makes his way back into the shed. A perfect start by Taskin.

Much fuller, on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga knocks it down to long off for a brace.

Fullish, on middle, Tafadzwa Tsiga eases it back to the bowler.

FOUR! Edgy! Bangs it short, on middle and leg, Tafadzwa Tsiga looks to pull it but gets a top edge, or maybe a glove on it. The ball goes right between the keeper and the leg slip fielder. Najmul Hossain Shanto there, is late to react and the ball races away.

Much fuller, on middle, Tafadzwa Tsiga flicks it to mid-wicket.

FOUR! That's a poor delivery! Angling in, on middle and leg, Tafadzwa Tsiga picks it well and tickles it through fine leg for a boundary.

Fullish, with a hint of inward movement, Tafadzwa Tsiga looks to push it down the ground but gets an inside edge towards short fine leg. Dot.

Good length, on the stumps, Ben Curran stabs it to mid on.

Nice and full, on middle, Ben Curran flicks it to square leg.

Angling in, on leg, Tafadzwa Tsiga helps it to fine leg for one more. Tsiga is off the mark in ODI cricket.

Keeps it full, on leg, Ben Curran flicks it to fine leg for a single.

FOUR! That's a cracking shot! Fullish and outside off, Ben Curran leans onto it and cracks a drive through the cover region for a boundary.

Beaten! A tad fuller, just outside off, Ben Curran tries to drive it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Another brilliant over for Bangladesh! Angling in, on middle, Tafadzwa Tsiga blocks it to mid on.

That was close! Back of a length, just outside off, Ben Curran looks to punch it but gets an inside edge. The ball just bounces over the leg pole towards short fine leg. They collect a single.

A bit of movement, outside off, Ben Curran shoulders arms at it.

Back of a length, on off, Ben Curran stabs it back to the bowler.

Hits the deck hard, outside off, Ben Curran shoulders arms at it.

A bit of jag back in, on off, Ben Curran tucks it to mid-wicket.

Tafadzwa Tsiga walks in at number 3. Also, Shoriful Islam to share the attack.

OUT! LBW! A wicket-maiden from Taskin Ahmed. Back of a length, just outside off, and it nips in sharply. Bennett rocks back and looks to punch it but the ball goes through the gate and just over the leg pole. A loud appeal and the finger goes up. Bennett has a word with Ben Curran and decides to send it upstairs. UltraEdge shows that the ball was hitting his pads and Ball Tracking shows that the ball was just clipping the bails. We have to go with the umpire's call of OUT. Brian Bennett departs for a duck.

Tight leave! Angling in from outside off, Brian Bennett reads it well and makes a tight leave.

Beaten! Pitched up, outside off, shaping away. Brian Bennett has a waft at it but misses. Four dots in a row from Taskin.

Some movement! Back of a length, outside off, shaping away. Brian Bennett tries to slap it but misses.

Back of a length, just outside off, Brian Bennett looks to punch it but fends it to the cover fielder.

Taskin Ahmed starts with a short ball, outside off, Brian Bennett leaves it alone.

Right then, we are done with the prematch formalities. Bangladesh fielders spread out in the middle and take their respective field positions. Brian Bennett and Ben Curran open up for Zimbabwe. Taskin Ahmed has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

Time for the National Anthems - We are all set for the action to begin. Both sides stride out in the middle and line up for their respective national anthems. It will be Zimbabwe's first, followed by the national anthem of Bangladesh.

PITCH REPORT - Farveez Maharoof is down to inspect the conditions in Abu Dhabi. He informs that it is 65 meters on either side of the square. About the weather, he notes it is very warm in the mid 30s and also mentions that it is fairly humid as well. However, he is quick to point out the breeze blowing across the ground which will help the players to stay cool. Coming to the pitch, he notes that it is the same surface that was used for the Test match between Afghanistan and Bangladesh. The one difference he spots is about 3 mm of grass left on it and notes that it is pretty hard underneath as well. Maharoof then points out that in the last 10 ODIs at the Abu Dhabi Stadium, the side batting first has won eight times, with an average score of 264. And reckons that would be a very competitive score on this pitch, especially while defending under the lights.

Bangladesh (Playing XI) - Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy (C), Mosaddek Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nurul Hasan (WK), Rishad Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman.

Zimbabwe (Playing XI) - Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza (C), Wessly Madhevere, Tafadzwa Tsiga (WK), Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri, Wellington Masakadza and Blessing Muzarabani. On ODI debut - Tafadzwa Tsiga.

The captain of Bangladesh - Towhid Hridoy says they would have batted first as well, but adds that the wicket looks fresh, so they will try to exploit the conditions. On being asked about Litton's absence, Hridoy informs that Das has a bit of an injury so he is not playing this game. About the team combination, he informs that they are going with three pacers and a couple of spinners. As for what the series means, Hridoy says every match matters to them. With a World Cup on the horizon and an Asia Cup at home to follow, he adds, this is the time to prepare well.

The captain of Zimbabwe - Sikandar Raza says that they will bat first. Adds that the wicket looks dry and it favours batting first. He adds that they don't have a total in mind but they will try to get as many runs as they can. On the importance of the tri-nation series ahead of the 2027 World Cup, Raza says it is hugely important because Zimbabwe will not have much international cricket after this. Notes that only the India fixtures remain, and May, June and July look busy too. So he says every ODI that comes their way is a chance to fine-tune things, find the right combinations and try new players, which is why he calls the series extremely important for their World Cup preparation. He ends by saying that they are going with three pacers and two spinners.

TOSS - All set for the coin flip. Both captains - Towhid Hridoy and Sikandar Raza - are out in the middle. Hridoy is Bangladesh's stand-in captain, and he flicks the coin. Raza calls Tails, and he's right. Zimbabwe have elected to BAT first.

Desert heat and turning tracks - The Abu Dhabi pitch offers decent early bounce before gripping for the slower bowlers, making middle-over spin control the key to victory today. Bangladesh could unleash uncapped mystery spinner Aliss Al Islam alongside Rishad Hossain to suffocate the scoring rate, while Zimbabwe might hand ODI debuts to spinner Vincent Masekesa or keeper-batter Tafadzwa Tsiga. Can Zimbabwe repeat their Harare heroics, or will Bangladesh dominate on a familiar surface? Don't go anywhere, the toss is coming up next!

Bangladesh's spin web and fresh leadership - Having just played a gruelling five-day Test against Afghanistan at this exact venue, Bangladesh know the conditions well, though falling two wickets short of victory showed they need more ruthless bowling discipline. With Litton Das taking over the ODI captaincy to free up Mehidy Hasan Miraz, the returns of Mustafizur Rahman and Hasan Mahmud, alongside Taskin Ahmed, add vital control. Learning from their narrow defeats in Harare earlier this year, in-form batters Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto must build deep partnerships rather than leaving too much for the middle order.

Zimbabwe's quest for the killer blow - Zimbabwe pushed Australia hard in their recent ODI series, and that agonizing one-wicket loss in the final game taught them the need to stay clinical during crunch moments. Without injured pacer Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani and young Newman Nyamhuri must execute sharper plans at the death to close out tight finishes. With the bat, experienced campaigners Sikandar Raza, Craig Ervine, and Brendan Taylor will aim to convert their starts alongside top-order batter Ben Curran to put big runs on the board.

Hello and welcome to Abu Dhabi! We are in from the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi for the opening clash of this exciting ODI Tri-Series featuring Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, and Afghanistan. Today, Litton Das leads Bangladesh against Sikandar Raza's Zimbabwe as both sides fine-tune their combinations for next year's global tournament. After losing their away ODI series to the Chevrons earlier this year, the Tigers are eager to settle the score right here in the desert!

... MATCH DAY ...

World Cup preparations start early - The opening match of the ODI Tri-Series in the United Arab Emirates brings Bangladesh and Zimbabwe together in a contest that could set the tone for both teams' campaigns. With the tournament providing an opportunity to build momentum, assess combinations and establish consistency in the 50-over format, both sides will be eager to begin with a victory. Bangladesh will look to draw on their experience in international one-day cricket, while Zimbabwe will aim to challenge their opponents through disciplined bowling, competitive batting and energetic fielding. The conditions in Abu Dhabi could add an interesting dimension to the contest. Dry surfaces, warm weather and the potential for slower pitches may place a premium on patience, strike rotation and the ability to adapt as the innings progresses. Although both teams possess players capable of changing a match with individual performances, the side that manages the middle overs more effectively and executes its plans under pressure could gain the decisive advantage. Start of Litton's reign as ODI skipper - Bangladesh enter the tournament with a renewed leadership structure, as Litton Das takes charge of the ODI side. The experienced wicketkeeper-batter will be expected to combine his natural attacking instincts with sound decision-making, particularly during the powerplay and the middle overs. His leadership will be important in a short competition where there is little room for a slow start, and Bangladesh will want to establish a dependable batting order from their opening fixture. The batting lineup features several players capable of controlling an innings or accelerating when the opportunity arises. Najmul Hossain Shanto brings composure and the ability to construct a substantial score, while Soumya Sarkar offers left-handed aggression and can put pressure on the opposition during the opening overs. Towhid Hridoy is another important option in the middle order, with his ability to find boundaries and rotate the strike helping Bangladesh maintain momentum through the second phase of an innings.  The availability of multiple batting options should give Bangladesh flexibility in their approach. Rather than relying exclusively on an explosive start, they will need to preserve wickets and build a platform for the final 15 overs. Against Zimbabwe's pace attack, that balance will be particularly important. Losing two or three wickets early could expose the middle order to pressure, whereas a stable opening partnership would allow the likes of Hridoy and the all-rounders to attack more freely. Bangladesh's prowess with the ball - Bangladesh's bowling unit offers a combination of pace, variation and spin. Taskin Ahmed can provide energy with the new ball, while Mustafizur Rahman brings experience and the ability to disrupt scoring through changes of pace and his variations at the death, but his recent form is a cause for concern, and he might not even be a guaranteed starter in this team. Hasan Mahmud and Shoriful Islam give the side additional pace-bowling options, allowing the captain to adjust his combinations according to conditions. Mehidy Hasan Miraz will be central to Bangladesh's middle-overs strategy. His off-spin can help restrict scoring and create opportunities when batters attempt to force the pace, while his batting provides valuable depth. The inclusion of Rishad Hossain and Tanvir Islam also gives Bangladesh additional spin options, while Aliss Al Islam's maiden ODI call-up adds an element of intrigue to the squad. Bangladesh will need their bowlers to complement one another rather than depend on individual spells to win the contest. Raza and co. gear up for home World Cup - Zimbabwe arrive with a squad that combines experienced international performers with younger players looking to establish themselves in the 50-over format. Sikandar Raza will captain the side and is likely to be one of their most influential figures. His value extends beyond his batting - he can contribute useful overs of spin, offer tactical flexibility and help guide the team through difficult periods. In a compact tournament, Zimbabwe will need their captain to make a difference in more than one discipline. The batting lineup includes experienced campaigners such as Craig Ervine and Brendan Taylor, alongside younger options including Brian Bennett and Ben Curran. Ervine's ability to anchor an innings could prove important if Zimbabwe lose early wickets, while Bennett offers the potential to put the opposition under pressure with positive strokeplay. Taylor's experience provides another source of stability, although Zimbabwe's success will depend on the whole batting group contributing rather than leaving the burden to a small number of senior players. Zimbabwe also have useful depth through Ryan Burl and Wessly Madhevere, both of whom offer all-round possibilities. Burl can provide middle-order acceleration and leg-spin, while Madhevere adds another batting option and can contribute with the ball. If the top order lays a solid foundation, these players could help Zimbabwe increase their scoring rate without sacrificing too much control. Zimbabwe's pacers will be key - The bowling attack is a major part of Zimbabwe's hopes. Blessing Muzarabani's height and pace can make him a difficult proposition, especially if there is bounce or movement available early in the innings. Brad Evans offers another seam-bowling option, while Newman Nyamhuri and Ernest Masuku provide further pace resources. Wellington Masakadza can contribute with left-arm spin, and Raza and Burl give the captain additional options in the middle overs. Zimbabwe's challenge will be to combine disciplined bowling with more consistent batting. They cannot afford to allow Bangladesh to settle into a comfortable rhythm, particularly if the pitch offers assistance to the spinners. Equally, their own batters must be prepared to work hard for runs if the surface slows down. A measured approach, followed by calculated aggression in the closing overs, may offer their best route to a competitive total. Conditions in Abu Dhabi - The Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi will host the opening match, with the fixture scheduled as a day-night contest. Conditions in the UAE can favour teams that adapt quickly to the surface, particularly when the pitch becomes slower, and batting requires greater precision. The actual behaviour of the surface will depend on preparation and match-day conditions, so both teams will need to assess the pace of the wicket during the opening overs. If the pitch offers good carry, Bangladesh's seamers and Zimbabwe's tall fast bowlers could make an impact with the new ball. However, should the surface prove slow, stroke-making may become more difficult once the initial shine disappears. Spinners and bowlers who vary their pace could then play an important role in controlling the scoring rate. The day-night timing also makes the toss an important consideration. Captains will have to weigh the advantages of batting first against the possibility of changing conditions later in the match. A competitive first-innings total will depend on the surface, the efficiency of the batting side and the ability to accelerate without losing wickets in clusters. Neither team should assume that a particular total will be sufficient before assessing how the pitch plays. Form (Last 5 completed ODIs, most recent first) - BAN - WLLLW | ZIM - LLLLW. So, who's coming out on top? Bangladesh enter the contest with the stronger historical ODI record against Zimbabwe and a balanced collection of specialist batters, seamers and spin-bowling all-rounders. Litton Das's leadership will be a major talking point, and the opening match offers his side an opportunity to establish a positive direction for the tournament. Zimbabwe, however, have the resources to make this a competitive encounter, and they have also won 3 out of their last 5 ODIs against Bangladesh. Muzarabani's pace, Raza's all-round ability and the experience of Ervine and Taylor give them several ways to challenge Bangladesh. If their bowlers strike early and their senior batters produce substantial contributions, a win for Zimbabwe is entirely possible. Ultimately, the team that combines early discipline with better execution in the middle and death overs should have the advantage. With both sides looking to make a strong start to the tri-series, this opening fixture promises to be an important test of adaptability, composure and tactical awareness.