Tigers seek lift in morale
Low in confidence and tired of disappointments, a rather desperate Bangladesh team will not just look to seal their place in the final of the T20I tri-series by beating Zimbabwe at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Staddium in Chattogram today, Shakib Al Hasan's side will also be searching for a much-needed morale boost.
Shakib cited a lack in both confidence and skill as reasons for the poor show from the Tigers after they lost the second match against Afghanistan on Sunday in Mirpur. Although skills cannot be developed overnight, the fear of failure that has taken hold of the Bangladesh team in recent times is something that the team management would like to overcome as quickly as possible.
The cricketers spent a significant amount of time in an intense fielding session which was followed by a net session, with head coach Russell Domingo desperate to chalk out and execute his plans.
Following the 25-run defeat to Afghanistan, the selectors dropped four players and drafted in five to the squad, including three uncapped cricketers in Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Aminul Islam and Naeem Sheikh alongside Rubel Hossain and Shafiul Islam.
According to all-rounder Mosaddek Hossain, the drastic changes in the team can put extra pressure, but pointed out that confidence which will be the key for the Tigers.
"It's obvious that when a batsman is not able to score runs, the confidence will be low. We may have lost the game [against Afghanistan], but despite the confidence being low we were able to get close as we lost by 20-odd runs. It will be better if we can play more calculatedly.
"When there are changes to the team obviously it's always difficult if you are not performing as the players know that it's difficult to stay in the team if you don't perform. But I think I am not the one to talk about changes in the team as the team management, coach and captain can talk about it better," Mosaddek told the media yesterday.
Meanwhile it will be a must-win game for Zimbabwe to keep their hopes alive for a place in the final after losing the first two games. According to experienced all-rounder Sean Williams, their seniors would need to step up as he is still hopeful of winning their next two games.
"Definitely, both games are now must-wins for us and I think if we can do the basics such as our fielding right… there are fine margins and if we can improve in those areas I think we have a fine chance to win both games and push both teams to the last over. If we can make better decisions on the field more frequently then I think we have a very good chance," said Williams.