The Bangladesh national cricket team vs Zimbabwe national cricket team timeline is one of the most exciting rivalries in world cricket. Both teams have battled hard since the 1990s. Their matches are full of passion, big scores, and surprise results. This rivalry shows how two developing nations have grown into competitive international teams. In this article, you will get the full head-to-head record, important stats, a complete match timeline, key players, biggest wins, and future predictions. Whether you are a new fan or a longtime follower, this guide covers everything about the Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe cricket history.
Head-to-Head Record Overview (All Formats)
The Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe head-to-head record shows Bangladesh with a strong lead in recent years. Zimbabwe was dominant early on. But Bangladesh has taken firm control in ODIs and T20Is. Tests remain closely contested. Here is the full breakdown across all formats:
| Format | Total Matches | Bangladesh Wins | Zimbabwe Wins | Draws/Ties/NR | BAN Win % | ZIM Win % | Notable Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 20 | 9 | 8 | 3 | 45% | 40% | ZIM won 1st Test 2025; BAN leveled in 2nd |
| ODIs | 83 | 53 | 30 | 0 | 63.9% | 36.1% | BAN dominant; multiple series clean sweeps |
| T20Is | 26 | 18 | 8 | 0 | 69.2% | 30.8% | BAN leads; ZIM caused upsets in 2024 |
| Overall | 129 | 80 | 46 | 3 | 62% | 35.7% | BAN clearly ahead; ZIM still competitive |
Bangladesh has the clear edge in ODIs and T20Is. Tests are the most balanced format between these two sides. Zimbabwe always performs better on home soil, making their contests unpredictable and exciting.
Early Encounters and Zimbabwe’s Dominance (1997–2004)
The early matches in the Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe cricket timeline belonged to Zimbabwe. They had more experience, better players, and a strong structure. Bangladesh was a new Test nation and still learning. Zimbabwe used disciplined pace bowling and steady batting to control games. These early results were important for Bangladesh’s growth and cricket development.
| Year | Format | Venue | Bangladesh Score | Zimbabwe Score | Result | Key Player |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | ODI | Nairobi, Kenya | 158/8 | 162/5 | Zimbabwe won by 5 wkts | Alistair Campbell (ZIM) |
| 2000 | Test | Bulawayo, Zimbabwe | 168 & 258 | 340 & 88/2 | Zimbabwe won by 8 wkts | Heath Streak (ZIM) |
| 2001 | Test | Dhaka, Bangladesh | 107 & 282 | 346 & 44/1 | Zimbabwe won by 9 wkts | Andy Flower (ZIM) |
| 2001 | ODI | Harare, Zimbabwe | 200/10 | 245/7 | Zimbabwe won by 45 runs | Stuart Carlisle (ZIM) |
| 2003 | ODI | Dhaka, Bangladesh | 209/10 | 210/4 | Zimbabwe won by 6 wkts | Grant Flower (ZIM) |
| 2004 | Test | Chittagong, Bangladesh | 223 & 154 | 296 & 85/3 | Zimbabwe won by 7 wkts | Tatenda Taibu (ZIM) |
During this era, Zimbabwe dominated in both home and away conditions. Bangladesh, however, kept improving. Each match gave them vital international experience.
Bangladesh’s Rise and Turning Point (2005–2010)
Between 2005 and 2010, the Bangladesh national cricket team transformed completely. Young talent emerged. Players like Mohammad Ashraful, Shakib Al Hasan, and Tamim Iqbal made a massive impact. Zimbabwe, facing player retirements and ICC suspension, became less consistent. This period was the biggest turning point in the entire Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe cricket rivalry.
| Year | Format | Venue | Bangladesh Score | Zimbabwe Score | Result | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Test | Chittagong, Bangladesh | 488 & 204/3 | 312 & 154 | Bangladesh won by 7 wkts | Ashraful 158* — first BAN Test win vs ZIM |
| 2005 | ODI | Chittagong, Bangladesh | 225/7 | 218/10 | Bangladesh won by 7 runs | Mashrafe Mortaza 4/38 |
| 2006 | ODI | Harare, Zimbabwe | 231/6 | 230/9 | Bangladesh won by 4 wkts | Close away win for BAN |
| 2007 | ODI (WC) | Kingston, Jamaica | 226/8 | 221/10 | Bangladesh won by 5 runs | Big WC win on global stage |
| 2009 | ODI | Dhaka, Bangladesh | 261/8 | 240/10 | Bangladesh won by 21 runs | Shakib Al Hasan 3/31 |
| 2010 | ODI | Bulawayo, Zimbabwe | 307/7 | 234/10 | Bangladesh won by 73 runs | Tamim Iqbal 84 off 75 |
2005 was the year everything changed. Bangladesh’s first Test win against Zimbabwe gave the team massive confidence. It proved they could beat established sides consistently.
Competitive Phase and Balanced Rivalry (2011–2015)
The years 2011 to 2015 were filled with tight matches and shared victories. Zimbabwe returned to full ICC membership and rebuilt their squad. Bangladesh was also developing rapidly. This was the most balanced period in the entire Bangladesh national cricket team vs Zimbabwe national cricket team timeline. Both sides had moments of brilliance.
| Year | Format | Venue | Bangladesh Score | Zimbabwe Score | Result | Key Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | ODI | Dhaka, Bangladesh | 259/10 | 249/10 | Bangladesh won by 10 runs | Shakib 4/34 & 58 runs |
| 2013 | Test | Harare, Zimbabwe | 163 & 267 | 287 & 144/5 | Zimbabwe won by 5 wkts | Brendan Taylor 171 |
| 2013 | ODI | Bulawayo, Zimbabwe | 278/9 | 279/5 | Zimbabwe won by 5 wkts | Chamu Chibhabha 89 |
| 2014 | T20I | Dhaka, Bangladesh | 161/4 | 158/6 | Bangladesh won by 3 runs | Mushfiqur Rahim 56* |
| 2014 | ODI | Mirpur, Bangladesh | 282/3 | 198/10 | Bangladesh won by 84 runs | Tamim Iqbal 107 |
| 2015 | Test | Dhaka, Bangladesh | 401/8d | 342 & 124/7 | Draw | Elton Chigumbura 94* |
Zimbabwe’s win in the 2013 Harare Test showed that Brendan Taylor could dominate any bowling attack. Bangladesh, meanwhile, was building a rock-solid home record across formats.
Bangladesh’s Dominance Phase (2016–2019)
From 2016 to 2019, Bangladesh firmly controlled the rivalry. They won multiple series in both home and away conditions. The batting lineup was deep, and the spin bowling attack — led by Shakib Al Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Taijul Islam — proved nearly unplayable. Zimbabwe struggled badly with injuries and squad rebuilding during these years.
| Year | Series | Venue | Format | Series Result | BAN Win Margin | Standout Player |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | ZIM tour BAN | Dhaka/Mirpur | ODI (3 matches) | BAN 3-0 ZIM | By 72, 58, 106 runs | Imrul Kayes (avg 89) |
| 2017 | BAN tour ZIM | Bulawayo/Harare | Test (2 matches) | BAN 1-0 ZIM | BAN won by 218 runs | Shakib Al Hasan 7/87 |
| 2018 | ZIM tour BAN | Mirpur/Sylhet | T20I (2 matches) | BAN 2-0 ZIM | By 14 runs & 6 wkts | Soumya Sarkar 63* |
| 2018 | ZIM tour BAN | Mirpur/Chittagong | ODI (3 matches) | BAN 3-0 ZIM | By 28, 5 wkts, 7 wkts | Mehidy Hasan 5/50 |
| 2019 | BAN tour ZIM | Harare/Sylhet | T20I & ODI | BAN 2-1 (T20); 3-0 (ODI) | Mixed results | Liton Das 176 (ODI) |
Bangladesh’s 3-0 ODI whitewash in 2016 was perhaps the peak of their home dominance. Their spin trio made batting nearly impossible at home venues.
Modern Era Rivalry (2020–2025)
The modern era of the Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe cricket rivalry brought some of the most exciting cricket. Zimbabwe showed real improvement under Sikandar Raza’s leadership. Bangladesh remained strong but faced occasional upsets. The 2025 Test series was historic — Zimbabwe won the first Test after years, and Bangladesh bounced back in the second. This era showed that the rivalry was very much alive and competitive.
| Date | Format | Venue | Bangladesh Score | Zimbabwe Score | Result | Player of Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 2021 | Test | Harare, Zimbabwe | 468 & 82/3 | 248 & 219 | BAN won by 220 runs | Mahmudullah 150 (BAN) |
| Aug 2021 | ODI (1st) | Harare, Zimbabwe | 276/8 | 121/10 | BAN won by 155 runs | Shakib Al Hasan 96 (BAN) |
| Jul 2022 | T20I | Harare, Zimbabwe | 188/6 | 205/3 | ZIM won by 17 runs | Sikandar Raza 82* (ZIM) |
| Aug 2022 | ODI (2nd) | Harare, Zimbabwe | 290/9 | 291/5 | ZIM won by 5 wkts | Sikandar Raza 135* (ZIM) |
| May 2024 | T20I (3rd) | Chattogram, BAN | 165/5 | 156/9 | BAN won by 9 runs | Taskin Ahmed 3/23 (BAN) |
| May 2024 | T20I (5th) | Mirpur, Bangladesh | 157/6 | 158/2 | ZIM won by 8 wkts | Wessly Madhevere 91* (ZIM) |
| Apr 20-23, 2025 | Test (1st) | Sylhet, Bangladesh | 191 & 255 | 273 & 174/7 | ZIM won by 3 wkts | Blessing Muzarabani (ZIM) |
| Apr 28-30, 2025 | Test (2nd) | Chattogram, BAN | 444 | 227 & 111 | BAN won by inns & 106 runs | Mehidy Hasan Miraz (BAN) |
Win Percentage Comparison Table (All Formats)
| Format | Total Matches | BAN Wins | ZIM Wins | BAN ODI Win % | BAN Test Win % | BAN T20I Win % | ZIM Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 20 | 9 | 8 | — | 45% | — | 40% |
| ODIs | 83 | 53 | 30 | 63.9% | — | — | 36.1% |
| T20Is | 26 | 18 | 8 | — | — | 69.2% | 30.8% |
| Overall | 129 | 80 | 46 | — | — | — | 35.7% |
Memorable Matches Timeline (Year-Wise Table)
| Year | Format & Venue | Scores | Result | Key Highlight / Turning Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Test – Chittagong | BAN 488 & 204/3 vs ZIM 312 & 154 | BAN won by 7 wkts | Bangladesh’s FIRST-EVER Test win vs ZIM — historic milestone |
| 2007 | ODI WC – Jamaica | BAN 226/8 vs ZIM 221/10 | BAN won by 5 runs | BAN beats ZIM in World Cup — global stage moment |
| 2013 | Test – Harare | ZIM 287 & 144/5 vs BAN 163 & 267 | ZIM won by 5 wkts | Brendan Taylor’s 171 — one of ZIM’s finest Test innings |
| 2021 | Test – Harare | BAN 468 & 82/3 vs ZIM 248 & 219 | BAN won by 220 runs | Mahmudullah’s farewell 150 — biggest BAN Test win vs ZIM |
| 2022 | ODI – Harare | ZIM 291/5 vs BAN 290/9 | ZIM won by 5 wkts | Sikandar Raza 135* — stunning chase in last over thriller |
| 2022 | T20I – Harare | ZIM 205/3 vs BAN 188/6 | ZIM won by 17 runs | Raza & Madhevere power ZIM home powerfully |
| 2024 | T20I – Mirpur | ZIM 158/2 vs BAN 157/6 | ZIM won by 8 wkts | Madhevere 91* — biggest ZIM T20I win in Bangladesh |
| Apr 2025 | Test – Sylhet | ZIM 273 & 174/7 vs BAN 191 & 255 | ZIM won by 3 wkts | Muzarabani 9 wickets — first ZIM Test win in 4+ years |
| Apr 2025 | Test – Chattogram | BAN 444 vs ZIM 227 & 111 | BAN won by inns & 106 | Mehidy’s all-round show — BAN levels 2025 series in style |
Biggest Wins & Closest Matches
Biggest Wins
- Biggest BAN Test Win: 220 runs — Harare, 2021. Bangladesh dominated with bat and ball throughout the match.
- Biggest BAN ODI Win: 155 runs — Harare, 2021. Bangladesh bowled Zimbabwe out for 121.
- Biggest BAN T20I Win: 8 wickets with 9 balls left — Chattogram, May 2024. Taskin Ahmed set it up with the ball.
- Biggest ZIM Test Win: 9 wickets — Harare, 2001. Andy Flower and Heath Streak were exceptional.
- Biggest ZIM ODI Win: 100+ runs on multiple occasions during Zimbabwe’s early dominance era (1997–2004).
- Biggest ZIM T20I Win: 8 wickets — Mirpur, May 12, 2024. Wessly Madhevere smashed 91* to chase 158 easily.
Closest Matches
- Closest Test: ZIM won by 3 wickets — Sylhet, April 2025. Bangladesh needed 2 wickets with 24 runs to go. Thrilling finish.
- Closest ODI: ZIM 291/5 vs BAN 290/9 — Harare, Aug 2022. One run difference. Last ball result.
- Closest T20I: BAN won by 5 runs — Mirpur, May 2024. Mustafizur Rahman defended in the death overs brilliantly.
- Closest WC Match: BAN won by 5 runs vs ZIM in 2007 World Cup. Nail-biting finish on the global stage.
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Top 5 Iconic Individual Performances
Best Batting Performances
- Brendan Taylor (ZIM) — 171, Harare Test 2013: Absolute masterclass. Attacked Bangladesh spinners. Guided Zimbabwe to a famous win.
- Mahmudullah (BAN) — 150, Harare Test 2021: Emotional innings in what was called his farewell Test. Powered Bangladesh to their biggest win vs ZIM.
- Sikandar Raza (ZIM) — 135*, Harare ODI 2022: Chased 291 with just 30 balls to spare. Match-winning knock that shocked Bangladesh.
- Mohammad Ashraful (BAN) — 158*, Chittagong Test 2005: Heroic innings that secured Bangladesh’s FIRST-EVER Test win — a moment cricket fans will never forget.
- Liton Das (BAN) — 176, Sylhet ODI 2019: Bangladesh’s highest individual ODI score. A brutal innings that put Zimbabwe to the sword.
Best Bowling Spells
- Blessing Muzarabani (ZIM) — 9 wickets, Sylhet Test 2025: Dominated Bangladesh batters with pace and swing. Took Zimbabwe to a stunning Test victory.
- Shakib Al Hasan (BAN) — 7/87, Harare Test 2017: Controlled the entire Zimbabwe innings. Combined with bat to win the Test series for Bangladesh.
- Mashrafe Mortaza (BAN) — 4/38, Chittagong ODI 2005: Early game-changing spell that set up Bangladesh’s important win.
- Heath Streak (ZIM) — 5/47, Dhaka Test 2001: Pace and accuracy too much for Bangladesh in their early years.
Match-Winning Innings or Spells
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz (BAN) — Chattogram Test 2025: Combined batting and bowling in a complete all-round performance. Bangladesh won by an innings and 106 runs.
- Mustafizur Rahman (BAN) — T20I 2024 Mirpur: Death over bowling genius. Defended 5 runs off the last over to win for Bangladesh.
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Bangladesh & Zimbabwe Star Players Impact
The Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe rivalry has produced some unforgettable individual brilliance. These players defined their eras and shaped the match timeline significantly:
Bangladesh Stars
- Shakib Al Hasan: World-class all-rounder. Over 1,000 runs and 60+ wickets vs ZIM. The most impactful BAN player in this rivalry by far.
- Tamim Iqbal: Explosive opener. Consistently scored big against Zimbabwe, especially in away conditions in Harare.
- Mushfiqur Rahim: Middle-order anchor. Several match-saving and match-winning innings, particularly in Tests.
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz: Dangerous off-spinner. Proved decisive in the 2025 Test series and in multiple ODI encounters.
- Mashrafe Mortaza: Legendary captain and pace bowler. Led Bangladesh during their most dominant phase against ZIM.
Zimbabwe Stars
- Sikandar Raza: Modern ZIM legend. Match-winner with both bat and ball. His 135* in 2022 ODI is one of the great chases.
- Brendan Taylor: Zimbabwe’s best Test batter. 171 in 2013 was a generational innings and showed ZIM’s true potential.
- Blessing Muzarabani: Tall, pacey, and lethal. His 9-wicket match haul in Sylhet 2025 stunned Bangladesh and the cricket world.
- Andy Flower: Early era legend. His batting in 2001 was unplayable and set ZIM’s dominance over BAN in the early years.
- Wessly Madhevere: Young match-winner. His 91* in the 2024 T20I showed Zimbabwe has genuine batting talent for the future.
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High-Scoring Matches & Record Moments
- BAN 444 vs ZIM 227 & 111 — Chattogram Test, April 2025: Bangladesh’s biggest total in this Test rivalry. Won by an innings and 106 runs.
- ZIM 307/5 vs BAN 303/2 — Harare ODI, August 2022: A high-scoring thriller. Zimbabwe won by 5 wickets. 610+ total runs in one ODI match.
- BAN 468 vs ZIM 248 & 219 — Harare Test, 2021: Bangladesh’s dominant batting display. 468 was their highest Test total on ZIM soil.
- Liton Das 176 — Sylhet ODI, 2019: Bangladesh’s highest individual ODI score in this rivalry. A record-breaking knock.
- BAN 322/3 in a high-scoring ODI encounter: Bangladesh posted 322/3 — one of their biggest totals in the rivalry’s history.
- ZIM 205/3 in T20I — Harare, 2022: Zimbabwe’s highest T20I score against Bangladesh. A devastating power-play performance.
- BAN 488 in Chittagong Test 2005: Bangladesh’s highest Test total vs Zimbabwe. Set the tone for their first-ever Test win.
Shift in Momentum – How Bangladesh Took Control
The shift in momentum from Zimbabwe to Bangladesh happened gradually between 2005 and 2012. It was not sudden — it was built step by step. Bangladesh’s cricket board invested heavily in youth development, coaching, and domestic cricket. Players like Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal emerged as true world-class talents. At the same time, Zimbabwe went through a painful ICC suspension from 2004 to 2011. They lost experienced players, coaching support, and consistency.
By the time Zimbabwe was back in full international cricket, Bangladesh had become a stronger and more experienced team. Bangladesh’s home spin conditions became a weapon. Visiting teams consistently struggled on turning Dhaka and Chittagong pitches. Bangladesh made big strides in white-ball cricket. Their T20I record against Zimbabwe shows this growth clearly. From 2015 onwards, Bangladesh won series both home and away, showing that their dominance was no longer just conditional. Since 2010, the timeline of the Bangladesh national cricket team vs. Zimbabwe national cricket team shows a clear trend. Bangladesh has won over 62% of their matches against Zimbabwe.
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Future Outlook of the Rivalry (2026 & Beyond)
The Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe rivalry is entering an exciting new phase. Zimbabwe is rebuilding. Young talents like Blessing Muzarabani, Wessly Madhevere, and Dion Myers are leading the way. Their Test win in Sylhet in 2025 showed their growing strength. Bangladesh is going through a transition after legends like Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim stepped aside. Future series from 2026 onward are expected to be more competitive, especially in Tests and T20Is. Zimbabwe’s fast bowlers and Bangladesh’s spin strength at home will influence the outcomes. In neutral venues, fans can expect tighter and less predictable matches.
Conclusion
The Bangladesh national cricket team vs Zimbabwe national cricket team timeline is a story of growth, competition, and passion. Zimbabwe started as the dominant side in the early years. Bangladesh rose through hard work and dedication. Today, Bangladesh leads the head-to-head record in all formats. But Zimbabwe continues to challenge and surprise. Their rivalry has provided cricket fans with memorable matches, great performances, and historic moments. Bangladesh national cricket team vs Zimbabwe national cricket team timeline teams grow, this rivalry will only get better. Every match adds a new chapter to this exciting cricket history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who leads the head-to-head record between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe?
Bangladesh leads the overall head-to-head record with around 62% of all matches won across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. They are particularly dominant in ODIs and T20Is.
What was Bangladesh’s biggest win against Zimbabwe?
Bangladesh’s biggest Test win was by 220 runs in Harare, 2021. In ODIs, it was a 155-run win also in Harare, 2021. Mahmudullah’s 150 was the key innings in that Test.
Has Zimbabwe ever won a Test series against Bangladesh?
Yes. Zimbabwe has won individual Tests and was competitive in series. Their 3-wicket win in Sylhet, April 2025 was their first Test win against Bangladesh in over four years, and it was a memorable comeback.
Who is the best player in Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe cricket history?
Shakib Al Hasan is the most impactful player for Bangladesh. For Zimbabwe, Sikandar Raza and Brendan Taylor stand out as the most influential players in this rivalry’s history.
When is the next Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe series scheduled?
After the 2025 Test series in Bangladesh, the next series is expected in 2026. Both teams are forming squads for upcoming ICC events. This makes each match crucial for rankings and preparation.
