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 shared a long journey in international cricket, often facing each other in closely fought matches across Test, ODI, and T20 formats. While Zimbabwe had an early advantage due to its stronger cricketing structure, Bangladesh gradually developed into a formidable side. Over the years, this rivalry has produced thrilling encounters, dramatic finishes, and memorable performances. Both teams have experienced phases of dominance, making their contests unpredictable and exciting. This timeline highlights the key moments, major matches, and turning points in the Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe cricket rivalry.
Latest Matches
Tournament
Venue
Date
Bangladesh Score
Zimbabwe Score
Result
Series
Player of the Match
Bilateral Test
Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram
Apr 28-30, 2025
444
227 & 111
Bangladesh won by an innings & 106 runs
Zimbabwe tour of Bangladesh 2025
Mehidy Hasan Miraz (BAN)
Bilateral Test
Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Sylhet
Apr 20-23, 2025
191 & 255
273 & 174/7
Zimbabwe won by 3 wickets
Zimbabwe tour of Bangladesh 2025
Blessing Muzarabani (ZIM)
Bilateral T20I
Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur
May 10, 2024
143 (19.5 overs)
138 (19.4 overs)
Bangladesh won by 5 runs
Zimbabwe tour of Bangladesh 2024
Mustafizur Rahman (BAN)
Bilateral T20I
Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram
May 5, 2024
142/4 (18.3 overs)
138/7 (20 overs)
Bangladesh won by 6 wickets
Zimbabwe tour of Bangladesh 2024
Towhid Hridoy (BAN)
Bilateral T20I
Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram
May 3, 2024
126/2 (15.2 overs)
124 (20 overs)
Bangladesh won by 8 wickets
Zimbabwe tour of Bangladesh 2024
Taskin Ahmed (BAN)
Bilateral T20I
Harare Sports Club, Harare
Jul 30, 2022
188/6 (20 overs)
205/3 (20 overs)
Zimbabwe won by 17 runs
Bangladesh tour of Zimbabwe 2022
Sikandar Raza (ZIM)
Bilateral T20I
Harare Sports Club, Harare
Jul 31, 2022
(Bangladesh chased)
–
Bangladesh won by 7 wickets
Bangladesh tour of Zimbabwe 2022
Mosaddek Hossain (BAN)
Bilateral ODI
Harare Sports Club, Harare
Aug 5, 2022
303/2 (50 overs)
307/5 (48.2 overs)
Zimbabwe won by 5 wickets
Bangladesh tour of Zimbabwe 2022
–
Head-to-Head Evolution Table
Format
Matches Played
Bangladesh Wins
Zimbabwe Wins
Draws / Ties / NR
Bangladesh Win %
Notable Trend
Test
18
8
7
3
~44%
Zimbabwe stunned BAN in 1st Test 2025; BAN leveled in 2nd
ODI
81
51
30
0
~63%
BAN’s strongest format against ZIM; multiple clean sweeps
T20I
25
17
8
0
68%
BAN dominant at home; ZIM pulled rare upsets in 2024 series
Overall
124
76
45
3
~61%
BAN clearly ahead, but ZIM always dangerous at home
Top Performances Timeline
Date
Format
Player
Performance
Match Result
Why It Mattered
Apr 20-23, 2025
Test
Blessing Muzarabani (ZIM)
9 wickets in the match
ZIM won by 3 wickets
First ZIM Test win in 4+ years; heroic bowling on helpful pitch
Apr 28-30, 2025
Test
Mehidy Hasan Miraz (BAN)
All-round show (batting + bowling)
BAN won by innings & 106 runs
Leveled the 2025 Test series in style
Jul 30, 2022
T20I
Sikandar Raza (ZIM)
Match-winning all-round display
ZIM won by 17 runs
Rare ZIM T20I victory on home soil
May 10, 2024
T20I
Mustafizur Rahman (BAN)
Death-over mastery
BAN won by 5 runs
Defended low total in thriller
2021 (Harare)
Test
Mahmudullah (BAN)
150
BAN won by 220 runs
Emotional farewell Test contribution
2022 (Harare)
T20I
Mosaddek Hossain (BAN)
First T20I five-wicket haul
BAN won by 7 wickets
Turned the game with the ball
Biggest Wins & Closest Matches
Category
Match Details
Margin / Details
Date / Venue
Highlight
Biggest Test Win (BAN)
1st Test, Harare 2021
By 220 runs
July 2021, Harare
Dominant batting & bowling display
Biggest Test Win (ZIM)
1st Test, Sylhet 2025
By 3 wickets (chasing 174)
Apr 20-23, 2025, Sylhet
Dramatic collapse & recovery by ZIM
Biggest ODI Win (BAN)
1st ODI, Harare 2021
By 155 runs
July 2021
Comprehensive all-round performance
Closest T20I Win
4th T20I, Dhaka 2024
BAN won by 5 runs
May 10, 2024, Mirpur
Mustafizur’s heroics in death overs
Closest Test Win
2nd Test, Sylhet 2025
BAN won by innings & 106 runs (after losing 1st)
Apr 28-30, 2025
Quick turnaround for Tigers
Biggest T20I Win (ZIM)
5th T20I, Dhaka 2024
ZIM won by 8 wickets
May 12, 2024
Rare chase masterclass by ZIM
Early Encounters and Zimbabwe’s Dominance (1997–2004)
The early encounters between the Bangladesh National Cricket Team and the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team were largely dominated by Zimbabwe. With greater experience and a well-established team, Zimbabwe consistently outperformed Bangladesh in both Test and ODI formats. Bangladesh, still new to international cricket, struggled to match Zimbabwe’s consistency and skill. Despite the results, these matches were crucial for Bangladesh’s development. The team gained valuable exposure and began building a competitive squad. Zimbabwe’s dominance during this period set the tone for the rivalry, but Bangladesh’s determination hinted at future improvement.
Year
Format
Venue
Winner
1997
ODI
Kenya
Zimbabwe
2000
Test
Bangladesh
Zimbabwe
2002
ODI
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
2004
Test
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
Bangladesh’s Rise and Turning Point (2005–2010)
Between 2005 and 2010, the Bangladesh National Cricket Team began to show significant improvement and started challenging Zimbabwe more effectively. This period marked a turning point as Bangladesh secured important victories and built confidence in international cricket. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, faced challenges during this time, including inconsistency in performance. Matches became more competitive, with Bangladesh emerging as a stronger side. This phase shifted the balance of the rivalry and marked the beginning of Bangladesh’s dominance.
Year
Series
Venue
Result
2005
Test Series
Bangladesh
Bangladesh
2006
ODI
Zimbabwe
Bangladesh
2008
ODI
Bangladesh
Bangladesh
2010
Test
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
Competitive Phase and Balanced Matches (2011–2015)
From 2011 to 2015, the rivalry between the and the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team became more balanced. Both teams delivered competitive performances, with Zimbabwe showing signs of resurgence and Bangladesh continuing its steady progress. Matches during this period were often closely contested, with both teams sharing victories. Bangladesh’s improving batting and Zimbabwe’s fighting spirit created exciting encounters. This phase strengthened the rivalry and made it more engaging for fans.
Year
Tournament
Venue
Winner
2011
ODI
Bangladesh
Bangladesh
2013
ODI
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
2014
T20
Bangladesh
Bangladesh
2015
Series
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
Bangladesh’s Dominance and Consistency (2016–2019)
Between 2016 and 2019, the Bangladesh National Cricket Team established dominance in the rivalry with consistent performances. The team showcased strong batting depth and effective bowling strategies, allowing them to secure multiple victories against Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe, despite its efforts, struggled to maintain consistency during this phase. Bangladesh’s experience and improved squad strength made them a dominant force. Matches were still competitive at times, but Bangladesh held the upper hand in most encounters.
Year
Series
Venue
Winner
2016
ODI Series
Bangladesh
Bangladesh
2017
Test
Bangladesh
Bangladesh
2018
T20
Bangladesh
Bangladesh
2019
ODI
Zimbabwe
Bangladesh
Modern Rivalry and Close Contests (2020–2022)
From 2020 to 2022, matches between the Bangladesh National Cricket Team and the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team continued to deliver competitive cricket. Zimbabwe showed improvement and managed to challenge Bangladesh more effectively in certain matches. Bangladesh, however, maintained consistency and relied on its experienced players to secure victories. Matches during this period featured close finishes and strong performances from both sides, reflecting the ongoing competitiveness of the rivalry.
Year
Format
Venue
Result
2020
ODI
Bangladesh
Bangladesh
2021
T20
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
2022
ODI
Zimbabwe
Bangladesh
2022
Test
Bangladesh
Bangladesh
Recent Matches and Current Scenario (2023–2025)
In recent years, the rivalry between the Bangladesh National Cricket Team and the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team has remained competitive. Both teams have focused on developing young talent and improving their strategies across formats. Bangladesh continues to be the stronger side overall, while Zimbabwe has shown signs of growth and resilience. Matches during this period have been exciting, with both teams delivering strong performances and close contests.
Year
Tournament
Venue
Winner
2023
ODI
Bangladesh
Bangladesh
2023
T20
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
2024
Series
Zimbabwe
Bangladesh
2025
ODI
Neutral
Bangladesh
Key Moments and Historic Highlights
The rivalry between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe has produced several memorable moments over the years. Zimbabwe’s early dominance and Bangladesh’s rise have shaped the narrative of this contest. Matches have featured strong batting performances, disciplined bowling, and thrilling finishes. Bangladesh’s breakthrough victories and Zimbabwe’s fighting spirit have added depth to the rivalry. These key moments have made the contest more engaging and have contributed to the growth of both teams in international cricket.
Highlight
Team
Year
Impact
First Major Clash
Zimbabwe
1997
Beginning
Turning Point
Bangladesh
2005
Rise
Dominant Phase
Bangladesh
2017
Control
Close Match
Zimbabwe
2021
Competitive
Conclusion
The timeline of matches between the Bangladesh National Cricket Team and the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team reflects the evolution of a competitive and exciting rivalry in international cricket. From Zimbabwe’s early dominance to Bangladesh’s rise as a strong team, the rivalry has undergone significant changes over the years. As both teams continue to develop and compete, this rivalry is expected to produce more thrilling encounters in the future. Fans can look forward to exciting matches, making Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe an important part of modern cricket history.
