ZCZC
BSP-19
CRICKET-BD-ZIM-TEST-PREVIEW
Bangladesh face Zimbabwe in crucial second Test tomorrow
DHAKA, Nov 10, 2018 (BSS)- It will be an acid test for Bangladesh as they
face visiting Zimbabwe in their crucial second and final Test of the two-
match series scheduled to begin tomorrow (Sunday) at the home of cricket
Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium at Mirpur.
The match kicks off at 9:30 am.
The Tigers are desperate to level the series against Zimbabwe. Bangladesh
are trailing in the two-match Test series 0-1 after the visitors inflicted
them by 151-run defeat in the first Test at Sylhet International Stadium.
It is a must-win game for the hosts while for Zimbabwe even a draw would be
enough result in their third Test series victory away from home.
Tigers’ reputation as a team that is strong at home is on the line.
Zimbabwe goes to tomorrow’s second Test with an upper hand not only by 1-0
lead in the series, but also with the confidence of having dismantled the
hosts for less than 200 in both innings in Sylhet.
Bangladesh have failed to score more than 200 in eight consecutive Test
innings now, a streak that raised plenty of questions.
Imrul Kayes and Liton Das combined well as openers in the ODIs against
Zimbabwe, but completely failed to shine in the first Test.
It was a fault that Mominul Haque and Mahmudullah were also guilty about.
The responsibility now falls on Mushfiqur Rahim to move up the order – he was
at No. 6 in Sylhet – so that he can bat with other batsmen around him,
instead of shoring up collapses with the tail for company.
Of Bangladesh’s two debutants in Sylhet, Ariful Haque had two decent
outings but Najmul Hossain Shanto, a highly rated young batsman, came under
scrutiny after his dismal performance. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Mohammad
Mithun makes his Test debut in Najmul’s place.
Zimbabwe showed the capability of staying long at the crease. And no one is
better than Sean Williams, who made 88 off 173 balls in the first innings to
put Zimbabwe in a position of strength.
Hamilton Masakadza and Peter Moor also contributed half centuries for the
team’s victory, but Brendon Taylor and Sikandar Raza were short of runs. The
visitors will hope their ability to play spin serves them well in the second
Test as well.
The visitor’s had little to complain about their bowling. Tendai Chatara
and Kyle Jarvis provided early breakthroughs and Raza led the spin attack in
both innings, taking six wickets.
Newcomers Brandon Mavuta and Wellington Masakadza bowled well in the second
innings and again expected to provide crucial role in the second Test as
well.
The Bangladesh’s spinners will have to play a pivotal role in the second
Test. Taijul Islam had a superb game with his 11 wickets, but Mehidy Hasan
Miraz may look to bowl differently in Dhaka.
Bowling sensation Mustafizur Rahman is likely to return to the attack and
may share the new ball with Abu Jayed who held his own given the limited
opportunities in Sylhet.
Squads:
Bangladesh (probable) – Imrul Kayes, Liton Das, Mominul Haque, Mohammad
Mithun/Najmul hossain Shanto, Mahmudullah (captain), Mushfiqur Rahim (wicket
keeper), Ariful Haque, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman
and Nazmul Islam/Abu Jayed. Zimbabwe (probable) – Hamilton Masakadza
(captain), Brian Chari, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Peter
Moor, Regis Chakabva (wicket keeper), Brandon Mavuta, Wellington Masakadza,
Kyle Jarvis and Tendai Chatara.
BSS/SG/ARS/1712 hrs