Action moves to the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo for the opening T20I of Bangladesh’s 2026 tour of Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe enter the three‑match T20I series buoyed by confidence after reaching the historic Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, where they upset strong teams such as Australia. They also secured a 2‑1 victory in the recent ODI leg of the bilateral series, placing Bangladesh under considerable pressure. Bangladesh, led by captain Nurul Hasan, aim to regain form in the shortest format after struggling in the longer formats on this tour. Guided by Sikandar Raza, a dynamic and fearless Zimbabwean lineup is expected to deliver an exciting contest.
ZIM vs BAN, 1st T20I: Match Details
- Date and Time: July 15, 4:00 PM IST / 10:30 AM GMT / 12:30 PM Local
- Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
ZIM vs BAN Head-to-Head Record in T20Is
Matches Played: 25 | Zimbabwe Won: 9 | Bangladesh Won: 16
Queens Sports Club Pitch Report
The pitch at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo generally provides a balanced contest but historically favors the side batting first, which has won 64% of T20 matches there. The average first‑innings total is about 155, decreasing to 132 in the second innings as the surface slows and offers grip. Early in the game, fast bowlers benefit from new‑ball movement, taking approximately 54% of wickets. As the match progresses, spinners become decisive, using the dry conditions to generate turn and curb scoring. Choosing to set a target after winning the toss appears to be the optimal strategy.
Squads
Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza (captain), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Clive Madande, Tinodene Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Milton Shumba
Bangladesh: Towhid Hridoy (captain), Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan, Mohammad Saif Hassan, Mosaddek Hossain, Yasir Ali, Nurul Hasan, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Mohammad Saifuddin and Abdul Gaffar Saqlain.