Published on: Oct 16, 2026 1:51 pm IST | Updated on: Oct 16, 2026 1:51 pm IST
A tri-nation ODI series is set to take place at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi between Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. The first match of the tri-series will be played between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, and both teams will be hoping for a winning start as the margin for error is too small for all three teams. The opening game will feature a fierce contest between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe on October 17, with the winner taking an early advantage in the series. In this post, we have come up with free expert tips for the 1st ODI, ZIM vs BAN, at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
Zimbabwe heads into this series on the back of a home series loss to Australia 0-3. Prior to that, they hosted Bangladesh and defeated them 2-1. Therefore, Zimbabwe carries some sort of confidence against this opposition. Meanwhile, Bangladesh will have some advantage of playing on Abu Dhabi’s slow surface. Their spinners will relish bowling here, and this factor is enough to edge them out on the win probability meter. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 1st ODI, ZIM vs BAN, at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
ZIM: 43% win chance BAN: 57% win chance
The Bangladesh skipper has enjoyed success so far this year having scored more than 300 runs in 9 innings. Expect him to have a lasting impact with the bat in this game.
Towhid is coming off a marathon 350 in the Bangladesh A game against South Africa A in Potchefstroom. The right-hander has been in impeccable form in ODIs as well scoring 405 runs in his last 10 outings at a scintillating average of 67.5.
Ben has been in good form in ODIs in recent times, having scored two hundred in his last 10 outings. The left-hander has amassed 453 runs at a brilliant average of 56.63.
Sikandar the Zimbabwean skipper, will be a crucial cog with both bat and ball. He has scored 437 runs in his last 10 ODI innings at a scintillating average of 62.
Check out our prediction for the BAN vs ZIM 1st ODI match at the Harare Sports Club in Harare.
Bangladesh will be eager to set the tone in the opening ODI of the tri‑nation series at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, as they face Zimbabwe — the very side that humbled them 2‑1 in Harare earlier this year. That defeat still lingers, and the Tigers will be determined to flip the script this time around.
The return of Litton Das as captain adds stability, especially after he missed the July series. He replaces Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who handled the interim role admirably, but now steps aside. Bangladesh have most of their ODI regulars back, though the absence of Rana, sent to Perth for medical checks, leaves a gap in the attack. Litton’s biggest challenge will be managing his bowling resources, with Mustafizur Rahman under scrutiny following poor outings in the Asian Games.
A potential wildcard could be Aliss Al Islam, the mystery spinner who impressed in the BPL and made a competent T20I debut. With batting depth and fresh leadership, Bangladesh will look to avenge their Harare setback and begin the tri‑series on a commanding note.
Zimbabwe enter the tri‑nation ODI series with mixed fortunes, having endured a tough outing against Australia last month. Despite losing the series 3‑0, they showcased resilience in the final ODI, falling agonizingly short by just one wicket. That spirited performance underlined their ability to challenge stronger opponents, and now they face Bangladesh, a side they defeated in Harare earlier this year.
With Sikandar Raza continuing to lead in the absence of injured skipper Richard Ngarava, Zimbabwe will rely on a blend of experience and youthful energy. Veterans like Craig Ervine and Brendan Taylor provide stability, while the emerging talents of Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, and Newman Nyamhuri promise fresh spark. In the bowling department, Brad Evans and Blessing Muzarabani hold the key with the new ball, tasked with striking early blows to unsettle Bangladesh’s batting order.
Having already proven they can topple the Tigers, Zimbabwe will be eager to repeat the feat. With a balanced mix of seasoned campaigners and rising stars, they have the arsenal to pull the trigger once again. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 78 BAN won: 48 ZIM won: 30 No Result: 0 RECENT form BANGLADESH: W L L L W RECENT form ZIMBABWE: W L L L L
A total of 78 meetings have taken place between the two sides in ODI cricket; Zimbabwe have 30 of those games, whereas Bangladesh have had the upper hand with 48 wins.
How will the two teams, i.e., Zimbabwe and Bangladesh, fare in the 1st ODI? Let’s take a look.
Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das (C/WK), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mosaddek Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 1st ODI between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
At Sheikh Zayed Stadium, the toss could shape the contest. Captains may lean towards batting first on a flat surface, aiming for 280–300 as a par score. With the wicket slowing down in the second half of the game, batting first should be the only thing the toss-winning skipper should aim for.
The online live streaming of the 1st ODI match of the Tri-Nation Series in UAE 2026 will take place live on the FANCODE app. The live TV coverage for this series won’t be available in India.
Bangladesh should start as the favorite in this contest, as their spinners will like bowling on this surface. The slow bowlers are expected to relish bowling in Abu Dhabi, making the Bangladesh side slight favorites for the first ODI. Zimbabwe should carry the confidence from their series win over Bangladesh at home, but the Litton Kumar Das-led side should have a slight upper hand. Therefore, as per our prediction, the visitors, Bangladesh, are expected to win the BAN vs ZIM 1st ODI match.
Want more Cricket Betting Tips like this? Click here