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DHAKA, July 4, 2026 (BSS) - Despite suffering a humiliating innings margin defeat in the one-off Test, Bangladesh are eying a grand comeback in three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe, beginning on Monday.

The confidence stemmed from their recent success in ODI format in which they won four straight series, including a historic victory over Australia at home. 

Following Zimbabwe's outstanding performance in the Test, which they won by an innings and 85-run margin, the upcoming ODI series is expected to be highly competitive.

The Test ended inside three days, giving Bangladesh two extra days to prepare for the ODI series. While they tried to figure out what went wrong in the one-off Test, they also prepared for the white-ball series intensively.

Although Bangladesh have dominated Zimbabwe in the ODI format, winning 51 of their 81 encounters while losing 30, the African side has reason for confidence.

The last time the two teams met in an ODI series, Zimbabwe defeated Bangladesh 2-1 on home soil in 2022.

Bangladesh rested some of their key pacers for the Test match, but they are expected to return for the ODI series, providing a significant boost to the squad.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe have recalled top-order batter Innocent Kaia to their ODI squad, following his match-winning century in the one-off Test.

Apart from his maiden Test century, the 33-year-old Kaia also impressed for the Zimbabwe A side during last month's tour of Bangladesh, earning a return to the ODI squad.
 
Zimbabwe Cricket announced a 15-member squad for the series including Kaia, with fast bowler Richard Ngarava appointed captain. It will be his first time leading the side in ODIs after also captaining the national team in Test cricket.

The squad also sees the return of experienced all-rounders Ryan Burl, Tadiwanashe Marumani and Wellington Masakadza. Star all-rounder Sikandar Raza, who missed the Test series, has also been included.

The three-match ODI series will begin in Harare on Monday, with the remaining matches scheduled for July 9 and July 11. The teams will then travel to Bulawayo for a three-match T-20 International series.

Bangladesh squad: Mehidy Hassan Miraz (Captain), Soumya Sarkar, Mohammed Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto (Vice-Captain), Tawhid Hridoy, Liton Das, Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam and Nahid Rana.

Zimbabwe squad: Richard Ngarava (C), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Ben Curran, Craig Ervine, Brad Evans, Innocent Kaia, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Ernest Masuku, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri and Sikandar Raza.