Tigers look to save face
Just yesterday Bangladesh became adults in the longest format of the game as the Tigers stepped into the 18th year since playing their inaugural Test match. However in terms of growing in this format the Tigers are still in their infancy.
Among the ten wins out of 109 Tests so far, adaptability in the longest format of the game has remained a big question mark for Bangladesh.
And once again it will be a test of temperament in the second and series-deciding encounter when Bangladesh take on Zimbabwe in Mirpur today. There will also be the urge to overcome a debacle after the 151-run humiliation in the first Test.
The authorities have decided to start the game half an hour earlier compared to the previous game, with play scheduled to start from 9:30am BST at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.
Batting remains the biggest concern for the Tigers as they have been unable to cross the 200-run mark for eight consecutive innings.
There were also questions over the team combination for the first Test in Sylhet and it was learned that the Tigers' think-tank are likely to do away with the one-seamer strategy.
Left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman is set to return after being rested in the first Test and will surely add a much-needed punch to the bowling department while another pacer, Khaled Ahmed, is likely to make his Test debut.
Mohammad Mithun, who has been in fine form in limited-overs cricket is also set for a Test debut with the team management likely to drop pacer Abu Jayed, left-arm spinner Nazmul Islam and the struggling Nazmul Hossain from the previous team.
On the other hand, even a draw would see Zimbabwe win their third-ever Test series away from home and the Hamilton Masakadza-led side are confident following a first away Test win after 17 long years in Sylhet.
The pitch at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur remains a mystery, even to the hosts, but winning the toss may prove to be crucial in the context of the game.
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