Bangladesh 22/1 in 9.0 overs

Ngarava explains tossing decision

“We want to bowl first. We understand the conditions well, there is a bit of grass on the wicket and we want to bowl first,” said Zimbabwe captain Richard Ngarawa.

On the leadership front, he added: “There was no tension. 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.”

Sando also wants to play bowling

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hussain Shanto admitted that he would also choose to bowl first.

“We would have bowled first but it didn’t matter if we batted right in the first two hours. There was some moisture in the wicket and the new ball would have extra bounce,” he said.

Shanto confirmed that Bangladesh will field one spinner, Taijul Islam, and three seamers.

Pitch Report | Early help for pacers

The pitch in Harare is expected to be favorable for the fast bowlers from the start.

Commentator Athar Ali Khan said in his pitch report: “The grass is well covered. If the seamers can consistently hit the right areas, they will have a big say in the first hour.”

He also advised the batsmen to be patient, saying it was a five-day game and there was enough time to prepare for an innings.

Ben Curran confident after long break

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

“I spent a few months simplifying my game and focusing on the fundamentals. I prepared well in terms of net practice and middle time. I also practiced my batting skills and technique,” he said.

Lineup announced

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

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