Bangladesh Elect to Bat in First Test Against Zimbabwe

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and chose to bat first in the opening Test against Zimbabwe at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium today.

The Tigers have gone with a balanced lineup, selecting six specialist batters, one all-rounder, and four bowlers. Zakir Hasan, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Nayeem Hasan, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib have been left out of the playing XI.

Mirroring Bangladesh’s strategy, Zimbabwe have also opted for a three-pronged pace attack, including Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, and Victor Nyauchi—anticipating help from a green-tinged pitch that is expected to offer some assistance to fast bowlers.

This match marks the first Test encounter between the two sides since 2021. Historically, the contests have been tightly contested: in 18 previous Tests, Bangladesh have won eight, Zimbabwe seven, and three matches ended in draws.

Bangladesh are looking to carry their strong overseas form into home conditions after a contrasting run last year. They had their best-ever year in away Tests, winning three of six matches—including a landmark 2-0 series win against Pakistan and a rare victory in the Caribbean against West Indies.

However, their home form in 2024 was dismal. The Shanto-led side lost all four Tests played in Dhaka and Chattogram, suffering 2-0 whitewashes at the hands of both Sri Lanka and South Africa.

Zimbabwe, on the other hand, are hoping to redeem their Test record. Interestingly, their only Test win over Bangladesh in more than a decade came at this very venue in Sylhet.

Bangladesh XI: Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehedi Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali (wicketkeeper), Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed, Nahid Rana.

Zimbabwe XI: Ben Curran, Brian Bennett, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine (captain), Wessly Madhevere, Nyasha Mayavo (wicketkeeper), Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Victor Nyauchi.