Visitors brace for spin threat

Spin has always been a vital element in Bangladesh's arsenal ever since the Tigers began their journey in the international circuit and especially against previous archrivals Zimbabwe.

Bangladesh's spinners have grown by utilising their strengths and so, they clearly lead the battle against their Zimbabwean counterparts as evinced by their consistent wins against the side over the past decade.

Since 2006 Zimbabwe has played 28 ODIs in Bangladesh with the Tigers' spinners averaging at 18.02 to pick 156 wickets while the pacers bagged 90 scalps, at an average of 22.11.

And despite the absence of the experienced Shakib Al Hasan, the Tigers will surely have their claws out on home soil with left-arm spinner Nazmul Islam and off-spinner Mehedi Hasan Miraz.

Zimbabwe skipper Hamilton Masakadza is aware of Bangladesh's spin threat, however, he informed that his side are prepared for the challenge.

"It [spin] is obviously one of the things you focus on when you play in the subcontinent. Spin plays a very big role. We have prepared for it. I have actually played against [Mehedi Hasan] quite a few times. We have also watched a lot of him.

"The main thing is to stay positive and back ourselves. We also have to deal with the challenge of spin," Masakadza told reporters when asked about the spin threat.

Zimbabwe have not won any of the last ten matches played in Bangladesh and also underwent a recent series whitewash defeat against Pakistan and South Africa but Masakadza still hopes to achieve something in the series.

"I think Bangladesh have improved a lot in the last few years, especially at home. We have played against them quite often so we still have a very good chance. So in terms of the favourites tag, I would still put it on Zimbabwe," he said.