Zimbabwe turn the tables on Bangladesh in ODIs

Zimbabwe’s 99-run victory over Bangladesh in the opening match of the UAE ODI Tri-Series on October 17 has underlined a significant shift in a rivalry that the Tigers dominated for much of the past decade.

Bangladesh still hold a commanding overall advantage in ODIs, but Zimbabwe have increasingly found ways to challenge them, winning five of the seven ODIs played between the sides since the start of their 2022 series, including Saturday’s match in Abu Dhabi.

According to head-to-head records, Bangladesh had won 52 of the 84 previous meetings, compared to Zimbabwe’s 32.

The change has been particularly evident since 2022,

The change has been particularly evident since 2022, when Zimbabwe ended Bangladesh’s long-standing dominance with a 2-1 series victory in Harare. After losing the opening match despite Bangladesh posting 303 for two, the hosts chased down 291 in the second ODI to seal the series before the visitors salvaged a consolation win in the final match.

ImageStand-in skipper Tawhid Hridoy could only score 13 runs. Photo: ACB

The result was a warning that Zimbabwe, despite their lower standing in international cricket, could exploit Bangladesh’s weaknesses in the 50-over format. The fifty-over format, which used to be Bangladesh’s forte in the past, has increasingly become their weakest point over the past five years.

In 2026, Zimbabwe repeated the feat on home soil. They won the first two ODIs in July 2026, defeating Bangladesh by 25 runs and 13 runs respectively, before the visitors claimed a seven-wicket victory in the final match. The 2-1 series result strengthened Zimbabwe’s recent record against the Tigers.

Saturday’s encounter offered another illustration of Zimbabwe’s growing

Saturday’s encounter offered another illustration of Zimbabwe’s growing confidence against Bangladesh. Taskin Ahmed gave the Tigers an excellent start at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, removing Brian Bennett, Ben Curran and Tafadzwa Tsiga to reduce Zimbabwe to 24 for three inside seven overs.

However, captain Craig Ervine and veteran wicketkeeper-batter Brendan Taylor turned the match around with a fourth-wicket partnership worth 150 runs. Ervine scored 93 off 106 deliveries, while Taylor made 81 off 101 balls, helping Zimbabwe recover from their early collapse and post 271 for eight.

Bangladesh’s reply never gathered momentum. Tanzid Hasan Tamim top-scored with 46 off 38 balls, but Brad Evans claimed four wickets for 45 runs as the Tigers were dismissed for 172 in 33.4 overs, handing Zimbabwe a comprehensive 99-run victory.

For years, Bangladesh enjoyed a prolonged period

For years, Bangladesh enjoyed a prolonged period of supremacy in this rivalry. Their run of victories included a series whitewash in 2014, another in 2015, and further clean sweeps in 2018 and 2020. They also won all three ODIs during their 2021 tour of Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe have, however, won both of the last two bilateral series, and their latest success in the UAE shows that their improved competitiveness is not confined to home conditions.