Two teams that know each other all too well are set to clash again—this time in Bangladesh, under the whites and with the red ball. Bangladesh and Zimbabwe will lock horns in a two-match Test series starting April 20 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

Bangladesh are not in good form with a poor record in 2024.  At home, the Tigers had a hard time. They lost Test matches to Sri Lanka and South Africa by scores of 2-0 without putting up much of a fight.  But when they were away from home, they did amazingly. They beat Pakistan 2-0 at home and tied 1-1 with the West Indies with securing a historic win in Jamaica.  They also showed signs of fighting in India, but it didn't work out for them.

Zimbabwe, a tough and familiar opponent, knows how things are in Bangladesh very well.  Veterans like Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, and Wellington Masakadza have played here many times and know how to beat Bangladesh.

The pitch in Sylhet is likely to have pace and bounce, which is different from the usual spin-friendly tracks in the subcontinent.  Phil Simmons, the head coach, said that there's no need for a spin-heavy plan against Zimbabwe.  That means Bangladesh will probably play with three fast bowlers up front, which makes sense given the pitch and the other team.

Even though there are four pacers on the team, Tanzim Hasan Sakib might have to wait longer to play his first Test.  Young quick pacer Nahid Rana has been in the news lately. His powerful bouncers will be closely watched.  Taijul Islam may play as the main spinner, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz will help keep things even as an all-rounder.

The team's captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, has already made it clear that they want to win.  Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Shadman Islam are expected to be in the top order. Zakir Hasan might not be in the opener mix.

Jaker Ali Anik is likely to keep wickets, and the team management wants to beat Zimbabwe with a fast bowling attack, which isn't often seen in Bangladeshi Test cricket.

Pacer Blessing Muzarabani is still the biggest threat to Bangladesh.  He has done well against Bangladesh in the past and will try to take advantage of any bounce the Sylhet pitch has to give.  At the same time, Ben Curran, who is on his first tour of Bangladesh, might be asked to start the game.

Zimbabwe wants to show that they can beat Bangladesh. They have some new players and some experienced cricketers.

Probable XI

Bangladesh: Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali Anik (wk), Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed, Nahid Rana.

Zimbabwe: Ben Curran, Nick Welch, Craig Ervine (c), Brian Bennett, Sean Williams, Wessly Madhevere, Johnathan Campbell, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Victor Nyauchi.