UNB, Dhaka :
Bangladesh and visiting Zimbabwe clash in the first Test of the two-match series beginning at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium today (Saturday).
The match will begin at 9:30am [Bangladesh time] through which the picturesque Sylhet venue will host its inaugural Test since its inception in 2013 in the way to be the country’s eighth Test venue.
Bangladesh look optimistic in the series and will be keen to stamp their authority in the longest format riding high on confidence after a 3-0 win in ODIs against Zimbabwe at home recently.
Both teams last faced off in a Test series in 2014, when Bangladesh clean swept Zimbabwe 3-0 at home. Since then, Bangladesh have become a more formidable Test side at home having victories against the likes of England and Australia in recent years – 2016 and 2017.
Bangladesh’s last Test assignment – a two-Test series in the West Indies – saw them crumble to two innings defeats. Even at home in February 2018 in Dhaka, they lost heavily to Sri Lanka, telling the story that there remain cracks in their armour when they have become a better team.
Injuries enforced experienced opener Tamim Iqbal and Test and T20I skipper Shakib Al Hasan to remain outside the squad that makes things a lot more challenging for Bangladesh. But the absence of seniors has created opportunities for young talents like Mohammad Mithun, Nazmul Hossain and Ariful Haque to prove their worth.
Mushfiqur Rahim has to guide the way with the bat alongside stand-in-captain Mahmudullah Riyad. Opener Imrul Kayes, who was outstanding with a record score of 349 runs [144-90-115] in the ODI series, will also look to bring his form into the Test.
Bangladesh’s bowling attack uniformed a potent look with Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mustafizur Rahman and Taijul Islam, who have enjoyed success at home and will look to build on that reputation, although Shakib’s absence is likely to be felt in this department too.
Bangladesh and visiting Zimbabwe clash in the first Test of the two-match series beginning at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium today (Saturday).
The match will begin at 9:30am [Bangladesh time] through which the picturesque Sylhet venue will host its inaugural Test since its inception in 2013 in the way to be the country’s eighth Test venue.
Bangladesh look optimistic in the series and will be keen to stamp their authority in the longest format riding high on confidence after a 3-0 win in ODIs against Zimbabwe at home recently.
Both teams last faced off in a Test series in 2014, when Bangladesh clean swept Zimbabwe 3-0 at home. Since then, Bangladesh have become a more formidable Test side at home having victories against the likes of England and Australia in recent years – 2016 and 2017.
Bangladesh’s last Test assignment – a two-Test series in the West Indies – saw them crumble to two innings defeats. Even at home in February 2018 in Dhaka, they lost heavily to Sri Lanka, telling the story that there remain cracks in their armour when they have become a better team.
Injuries enforced experienced opener Tamim Iqbal and Test and T20I skipper Shakib Al Hasan to remain outside the squad that makes things a lot more challenging for Bangladesh. But the absence of seniors has created opportunities for young talents like Mohammad Mithun, Nazmul Hossain and Ariful Haque to prove their worth.
Mushfiqur Rahim has to guide the way with the bat alongside stand-in-captain Mahmudullah Riyad. Opener Imrul Kayes, who was outstanding with a record score of 349 runs [144-90-115] in the ODI series, will also look to bring his form into the Test.
Bangladesh’s bowling attack uniformed a potent look with Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mustafizur Rahman and Taijul Islam, who have enjoyed success at home and will look to build on that reputation, although Shakib’s absence is likely to be felt in this department too.
