![Zimbabwe in ODIs. [Source - ZimCricketv/X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1792152567965_ZimbabweODITeam.jpg?type=hq)
Zimbabwe in ODIs. [Source - ZimCricketv/X]
Zimbabwe are set to kick-off the ODI Tri-Nation Series in the UAE with the 1st ODI against Bangladesh at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Afghanistan are the third team competing in the tournament.
The match will be played on Saturday, October 17, with the first ball scheduled for 5:00 PM IST. Ahead of the high-octane clash, here is a look at Zimbabwe's predicted playing XI vs Bangladesh in the 1st ODI of the ODI Tri-Nation Series in the UAE.
Openers and Top Order: Ben Curran, Brian Bennett, Brendan Taylor
Ben Curran is expected to open for Zimbabwe despite scoring just 37 runs in three ODIs against Australia. He averages 42.33 in 14 matches and scored a century against Bangladesh last July.
Brian Bennett is set to be in Zimbabwe's predicted playing XI vs Bangladesh after scoring 78 runs across his last three ODIs. Averaging 16.83 this year, the young batter will look to improve his numbers in the ODI Tri-Nation Series.
Brendan Taylor is back in Zimbabwe colors but managed only 52 runs across three ODIs against Australia. Expected to bat at No. 3 and take wicketkeeping duties, the veteran will look to rediscover his touch in the ODI Tri-Nation Series.
Middle Order and All-Rounders: Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Wessly Madhevere
Craig Ervine is expected to bat at No. 4 as he looks to continue his good form after an impressive series against Australia, scoring two half-centuries in three ODIs at an average of 52.
Sikandar Raza is likely to bat at No. 5 and lead Zimbabwe from the front. The captain has been their best ODI batter in 2026, scoring 183 runs at an average of 91.5 against Australia, including two half-centuries, while also taking three wickets with his off-spin.
Ryan Burl is expected to return to Zimbabwe's predicted playing XI for the first time since his last ODI appearance in 2024. The leg-spin all-rounder will add valuable batting depth and another bowling option, which could prove crucial in UAE conditions.
Wessly Madhevere is likely to feature at No. 7, adding further all-round depth to Zimbabwe's predicted playing XI vs Bangladesh. He picked up two wickets against Australia recently but averaged just 16.33 with the bat.
Bowlers: Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri
Brad Evans is expected to feature at No. 8 in Zimbabwe's predicted playing XI vs Bangladesh. He claimed nine wickets against Australia, and is currently Zimbabwe's leading ODI wicket-taker in 2026.
Wellington Masakadza will add left-arm orthodox spin to Zimbabwe's attack. He took no wickets in two ODIs against Australia but maintained an impressive economy rate of 5.80.
Blessing Muzarabani is expected to lead Zimbabwe's pace attack despite going wicketless across three ODIs against Australia. The experienced fast bowler will look to bounce back and deliver in the ODI Tri-Nation Series.
Newman Nyamhuri has stepped up in Richard Ngarava's absence due to injury. The left-arm pacer earned his place in the squad after taking five wickets at a strike-rate of 16.8 across two ODIs against Australia.
Zimbabwe Predicted Playing XI vs Bangladesh For 1st ODI, ODI Tri-Nation Series in UAE 2026
Ben Curran, Brian Bennett, Brendan Taylor (wk), Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Wessly Madhevere, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani and Newman Nyamhuri.
