Tigers seek more than a win

Bangladesh will be looking for much more than just a win when they step out to take on Zimbabwe in the opener of the Chattogram leg of the ongoing tri-nation T20I series -- involving Bangladesh, Zimbabwe and Afghanistan -- at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium today. 

Bangladesh, who were never the clear favourites in the tournament despite being the home side, have struggled throughout.

The Tigers suffered a 25-run defeat to Afghanistan in their second match on Sunday after a hard-fought three-wicket victory against Zimbabwe in the tournament opener on Friday.

When the two sides met in the tournament opener in Mirpur on Friday, it was Zimbabwe who dominated the game until Afif Hossain’s 32-ball 57 finally saved the day after the top-order failed horrendously. Even promoting Mushfiqur Rahim to the opening slot in their next game against Afghanistan did not make any difference as the top order failed to fire yet again.

Bangladesh made quite a few changes to their squad for the Chattogram leg -- Soumya Sarkar’s exclusion and pacer Rubel Hossain and Shafiul Islam’s inclusion being the mentionable ones. And although a win today would be enough to see the team through to the final, scheduled to be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on September 24, Shakib Al Hasan’s shaky side will be looking to operate with a steady and proper plan, something they have failed to do so far.