A series to cherish for Afif, Naim
The excitement level ahead of a Bangladesh-Zimbabwe series seldom reaches the level of hype that is generated when the Tigers take on most other teams. Apart from being a team that has fallen upon hard times in the last decade and a half, Zimbabwe have also played the highest ODIs in Bangladesh other than the hosts, so there is an element of familiarity breeding a lack of anticipation.
For Bangladesh players too, the excitement remains the usual or perhaps less. However, for two of the 15 players for the first two ODIs of the three-match series to begin from March 1 in Sylhet, this Zimbabwe carries greater than usual importance.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) included two new faces -- Afif Hossain and Mohammad Naim -- in the squad for the series. And for both youngsters, the excitement of featuring in an ODI for Bangladesh knew no bounds.
"I have been feeling the excitement for a while now. I played T20s for Bangladesh and I was waiting for my chance to play ODIs. My wish has been fulfilled and I will try to do something good for the country," said all-rounder Afif after arriving in Sylhet with the Bangladesh team yesterday.
Afif, who played a total of 10 T20Is, had debuted in the shorter format back in February 2018. The 20-year-old, known for his quick run-scoring ability, had impressed in domestic leagues and age-level tournaments and has almost become a regular in the national T20 side.
Afif, who usually bats at the top in T20s, may however need to play a different role in the ODI format and the youngster seemed ready for that.
"I will try to perform my best if I get the chance. I will comply with the team tactics and try to play whatever role I am needed to for the team. If I bat at the top, I try to take time and build the innings and if I will try to bat just as the team requires if I bat down the order," said Afif.
Naim on the other hand has played five T20Is, the first being in November 2019. The left-hander was however more excited to be able to play a series under the leadership of inspirational captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza. Mashrafe returned to lead the Tigers in ODIs after missing the Sri Lanka tour in July last year.
"I am lucky to be playing under the captaincy of Mashrafe bhai," said the opener.
The uncapped Naim was also not short of confidence and talked about how challenges get him excited.
"I like playing when there are challenges. I don't like when you achieve things with ease," concluded Naim.