The rivalry between the Bangladesh National Cricket Team and the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team is one of the most competitive contests among emerging cricket nations. Both teams have played a crucial role in shaping modern international cricket outside the traditional powerhouses. Over the years, matches between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe have produced exciting finishes, strong individual performances, and closely fought series. While Zimbabwe had an early advantage due to its longer presence in international cricket, Bangladesh gradually developed into a strong and consistent team. Their encounters span across Test matches, One Day Internationals, and T20 Internationals, making the rivalry diverse and engaging. This timeline explores the major milestones, important matches, and key turning points that have defined the Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe cricket rivalry.
Latest Matches
Tournament
Venue
Date
Bangladesh Score
Zimbabwe Score
Result
Series
Player of the Match
Bilateral Test (2nd Test)
Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram
Apr 28-30, 2025
444
227 & 111
Bangladesh won by an innings & 106 runs
Zimbabwe tour of Bangladesh
Mehidy Hasan Miraz (BAN)
Bilateral Test (1st Test)
Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Sylhet
Apr 20-23, 2025
191 & 255
273 & 174/7
Zimbabwe won by 3 wkts
Zimbabwe tour of Bangladesh
Blessing Muzarabani (ZIM)
Bilateral T20I (5th T20I)
Dhaka
May 12, 2024
157/6
158/2 (18.3 ov)
Zimbabwe won by 8 wkts
Zimbabwe tour of Bangladesh T20I
Brian Bennett (ZIM)
Bilateral T20I (4th T20I)
Mirpur
May 10, 2024
143
138 (19.4 ov)
Bangladesh won by 5 runs
Zimbabwe tour of Bangladesh T20I
Mustafizur Rahman (BAN)
Head-to-Head Record
Format
Matches Played
Bangladesh Won
Zimbabwe Won
Draws / No Result
Bangladesh Win %
Test
20
9
8
3
45%
ODI
81
51
30
0
63%
T20I
25
17
8
0
68%
Overall
126
77
46
3
61%
Win Chase vs Defend Analysis
Scenario
Bangladesh Success
Zimbabwe Success
Notable Insight
Batting First (Defend)
8 wins out of 13
6 wins out of 12
Bangladesh averages ~162 when batting first
Chasing (2nd Innings)
9 wins out of 12
2 wins out of 13
Zimbabwe won the last T20I chasing 158/2 comfortably
Overall
17 wins
8 wins
Chasing suits Bangladesh more in this rivalry
Top Player Performances
Player
Format
Performance
Match Details
Impact / Award
Mehidy Hasan Miraz (BAN)
Test
10 wickets in the match
2nd Test, Chattogram, Apr 2025
Player of the Match
Blessing Muzarabani (ZIM)
Test
6 wickets in 2nd innings + series hero
1st Test, Sylhet, Apr 2025
Player of the Match
Brian Bennett (ZIM)
T20I
Match-winning chase (unbeaten)
5th T20I, Dhaka, May 2024
Player of the Match
Mustafizur Rahman (BAN)
T20I
Crucial bowling spell
4th T20I, Mirpur, May 2024
Player of the Match
Sean Williams (ZIM)
Test
142 runs across the 2025 series
Both Tests, Apr-May 2025
Top run-scorer for ZIM
Mominul Haque (BAN)
Test
136 runs in the series
Both Tests, Apr-May 2025
Key contributor for BAN
Sikandar Raza (ZIM)
T20I
Explosive 35 off 11 balls
5th T20I, Dhaka, May 2024
Sparked the winning chase
Early Encounters and Zimbabwe’s Dominance (1997–2003)
The early matches between the Bangladesh National Cricket Team and the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team were largely dominated by Zimbabwe. During this period, Zimbabwe had a more experienced squad and was considered a stronger side in international cricket. Bangladesh, having recently entered the international arena, struggled to compete consistently against Zimbabwe. Most matches ended in Zimbabwe’s favor, especially in longer formats like Test cricket. However, Bangladesh used these matches as learning opportunities to improve its skills and gain experience. Despite the results, the contests helped Bangladesh develop confidence and understand the demands of international cricket. These early encounters laid the foundation for a rivalry that would become more competitive in the years to come.
Year
Format
Venue
Winner
1998
ODI
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
2000
Test
Bangladesh
Zimbabwe
2001
ODI
Neutral
Zimbabwe
2003
ODI
Bangladesh
Zimbabwe
Bangladesh’s First Major Successes (2004–2008)
Between 2004 and 2008, the Bangladesh National Cricket Team began to show significant improvement in its performance against Zimbabwe. This period marked Bangladesh’s rise as a competitive team capable of winning matches against established opponents. Bangladesh secured several important victories, especially in One Day Internationals, which boosted the team’s confidence. The players demonstrated better coordination, improved batting techniques, and more disciplined bowling. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, faced challenges in maintaining consistency due to changes in its squad. Matches between the two teams became more balanced, with Bangladesh gradually closing the gap. This period played a crucial role in transforming the rivalry into a more competitive and unpredictable contest.
Year
Tournament
Venue
Result
2004
ODI Series
Bangladesh
Bangladesh
2005
Test Series
Zimbabwe
Draw
2006
ODI
Zimbabwe
Bangladesh
2007
ICC Event
West Indies
Bangladesh
Balanced Rivalry and Close Contests (2009–2013)
From 2009 to 2013, the rivalry between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe became more evenly matched. Both teams were capable of winning matches, and the outcomes were often decided by small margins. Bangladesh continued to improve its performance, particularly in home conditions, while Zimbabwe remained competitive with a mix of experienced players and young talent. Matches during this period were characterized by strong batting performances and effective bowling strategies from both sides. Fans witnessed several closely contested games, with thrilling finishes and unexpected results. The rivalry gained popularity as both teams demonstrated resilience and determination. This phase marked the transition of the rivalry into a balanced contest, where neither team had a clear advantage.
Year
Format
Venue
Result
2009
ODI
Bangladesh
Bangladesh
2010
T20
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
2011
ODI
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
2013
ODI
Bangladesh
Bangladesh
Zimbabwe’s Comeback Phase (2014–2017)
The period between 2014 and 2017 saw a resurgence from the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team. Zimbabwe delivered improved performances and secured important victories against Bangladesh. The team focused on strengthening its bowling attack and building partnerships in batting. Bangladesh, although still competitive, faced challenges in maintaining consistency during this phase. Matches between the two teams remained exciting, with Zimbabwe often gaining the upper hand. This period highlighted Zimbabwe’s ability to bounce back and compete strongly against Bangladesh. The rivalry regained intensity as both teams fought hard to establish dominance. These contests added new excitement and unpredictability to the Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe timeline.
Year
Series
Venue
Winner
2014
Test Series
Bangladesh
Zimbabwe
2015
ODI Series
Zimbabwe
Bangladesh
2016
T20 Series
Neutral
Zimbabwe
2017
ODI
Bangladesh
Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s Strong Performance Era (2018–2022)
From 2018 to 2022, the Bangladesh National Cricket Team established itself as the stronger team in this rivalry. Bangladesh consistently performed well across all formats, securing multiple series victories against Zimbabwe. The team’s batting lineup became more reliable, while the bowling attack delivered consistent results. Zimbabwe struggled to match Bangladesh’s level of performance, particularly in away conditions. Matches during this period often saw Bangladesh dominating with both bat and ball. However, Zimbabwe continued to show moments of brilliance, keeping the rivalry competitive. This phase marked Bangladesh’s rise as a dominant force in the rivalry, supported by improved team performance and strategic gameplay.
Year
Format
Venue
Winner
2018
ODI Series
Bangladesh
Bangladesh
2019
Test
Bangladesh
Bangladesh
2020
T20
Bangladesh
Bangladesh
2022
ODI
Zimbabwe
Bangladesh
Recent Matches and Current Scenario (2023–2025)
In recent years, matches between the Bangladesh National Cricket Team and the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team have continued to provide competitive cricket. Bangladesh has maintained its consistency, while Zimbabwe has shown improvement in both batting and bowling. The rivalry remains unpredictable, with both teams capable of producing strong performances. Modern cricket techniques, improved fitness, and better strategies have enhanced the quality of matches. Fans have witnessed exciting contests with close finishes and impressive individual performances. This period reflects the ongoing development of both teams and the growing importance of their rivalry in international cricket.
Year
Series
Venue
Winner
2023
ODI Series
Bangladesh
Bangladesh
2023
T20 Series
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
2024
ODI
Neutral
Bangladesh
2025
Series
Zimbabwe
Draw
Key Moments and Match Highlights
The rivalry between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe has produced several memorable moments over the years. Bangladesh’s rise from an emerging team to a strong competitor is one of the defining aspects of this timeline. Zimbabwe’s early dominance and later comeback performances have also added depth to the rivalry. Close matches, strong batting partnerships, and crucial bowling spells have shaped many encounters. Bangladesh’s consistency in recent years and Zimbabwe’s resilience have made this rivalry exciting for fans. Each match continues to add new chapters to the timeline, making Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe an engaging contest in international cricket.
Highlight
Team
Year
Impact
First Major Win
Bangladesh
2004
Breakthrough
Dominant Era
Zimbabwe
Early 2000s
Control
Comeback Series
Zimbabwe
2014
Revival
Consistent Wins
Bangladesh
2018
Dominance
Conclusion
The timeline of matches between the Bangladesh National Cricket Team and the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team reflects the evolution of a competitive and dynamic rivalry in international cricket. From Zimbabwe’s early dominance to Bangladesh’s rise as a stronger team, the rivalry has seen significant changes over the years. Both teams have contributed to exciting matches and memorable performances that have entertained cricket fans worldwide. As they continue to develop and compete, the Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe rivalry is expected to produce even more thrilling encounters in the future, strengthening its place in international cricket history.