Bangladesh face Zimbabwe in UAE tri-series opener

Bangladesh begin their preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup with a tri-nation series against Afghanistan and Zimbabwe in the United Arab Emirates, taking on Zimbabwe in the opening match in Abu Dhabi on Saturday (October 17).

The match will start at 5:30PM Bangladesh time.

Bangladesh has won four bilateral series between October 2025 and June 2026. Those results helped them secure a place among the top eight teams in the rankings and qualify directly for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

With direct qualification secured, the Tigers will now look to build momentum ahead of the tournament through the UAE series.

Bangladesh has won just one title in six previous tri-nation series. Their only triumph came in 2019, when they beat West Indies and Ireland in a tournament. They also reached the final of the 2018 Nidahas Trophy but finished runners-up after losing to India.

Asked about Bangladesh’s record in tri-nation tournaments, captain Liton Das said the team had limited experience playing such competitions.

“I don't think there is any particular reason. We play very few tri-nation series. Although I have been playing for a long time, I have limited experience in these tournaments,” Liton said.

He added that tri-nation tournaments bring extra pressure because teams must secure a place in the final, while net run rate can also become a decisive factor.

“Our players are playing good cricket now. We have performed well in recent series, and our maturity level is also good. I hope we will play good cricket here,” he said.

Middle-order batter Mosaddek Hossain also expressed confidence ahead of the tournament. Speaking to the media after a training session in Abu Dhabi, he said winning the series would boost Bangladesh's confidence for the World Cup and the Asia Cup.

“Our first target is to become champions. Before the final, we have two matches to play, and we must win both,” Mosaddek said.

He also pointed to Bangladesh's 2019 tri-series title as a source of inspiration, adding that a strong performance in the UAE would help the team grow in confidence.

Liton Das (captain), Towhid Hridoy (vice-captain), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Saif Hassan, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam and Aliss Al Islam.

October 17: Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe, Abu Dhabi

October 19: Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, Abu Dhabi

October 21: Afghanistan vs Bangladesh, Sharjah

October 23: Final, Sharjah

-EM