Story by Anashe Murombedzi
ZIMBABWE will shift their focus from the red-ball game to the white-ball format when they host Bangladesh in the opening match of a three-match One-Day International (ODI) series at Harare Sports Club on Monday.
The Chevrons head into the series buoyed by their emphatic innings-and-85-run victory over Bangladesh in the one-off Test.
The win secured Zimbabwe’s first successive Test victories in more than 25 years, following their innings-and-73-run triumph over Afghanistan last year. The last time the Chevrons recorded back-to-back Test wins was in 2001, when they completed a 2-0 series sweep over Bangladesh.
It is only the third time Zimbabwe have achieved consecutive Test victories.
The ODI series also marks a new chapter for the hosts, with Richard Ngarava set to captain the side in the 50-over format for the first time.
Zimbabwe have been strengthened by the return of experienced campaigners Craig Ervine and Sikandar Raza, who rejoins the squad after franchise cricket commitments abroad.
Opening batter Innocent Kaia has also earned a place in the 15-man squad following his maiden Test century during Zimbabwe’s historic victory over Bangladesh.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, will be eager to respond after their disappointing Test defeat and will look to reassert themselves in a format in which they have traditionally enjoyed the upper hand over Zimbabwe.
