Bangladesh 18/1 in 8.4 Overs

Ngarava explained the passing of the decision

“We will bowl first. We know these conditions very well, with less grass on the wicket, we want to bowl first,” Zimbabwe captain Richard Ngarava said.

To lead the side, he added. “No nerves. You don’t become a leader in a day or two, it’s a long time. We had a preparation camp that lasted almost two months.”

Shanto also likes to bowl

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto admitted that he would have chosen to bowl first.

“We should have bowled first, but it doesn’t matter if we bat properly in the first two hours. There is a bit of moisture on the wicket and the new ball will be challenging with more bounce,” he said.

Shanto confirmed that Bangladesh are playing one spinner, Taijul Islam, along with three seamers.

Pitch report |: Early help for the pacers

The Harare pitch is expected to favor the fast bowlers early on.

“It’s a nice spread of grass with good coverage. The seamers will have a big say in the first hour if they keep hitting the right places,” said commentator Athar Ali Khan in his pitch report.

He also advised the batters to remain patient, saying it is a five-day game and there is plenty of time to build innings.

Ben Curran is confident after a long break

Zimbabwe opener Ben Curran believes a break from Test cricket has helped him work on his game.

“I have a few months to simplify my game and focus on the basics. I prepare well in the net sessions and time in between. I also work on my batting skills and technique,” he said.

The playing XI has been announced

Zimbabwe: Ben Curran, Innocent Kaia, Brendan Taylor, Brian Bennett, Craig Ervine, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Wessly Madhevere, Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri, Richard Ngarava (capt), Blessing Muzarabani.

Bangladesh: Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Towhid Hridoy, Amite Hasan (wk), Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain.