Tigers’ chance to turn T20 fortunes
Much like the one-off Test and the three-match ODI series, Bangladesh will not just want to win the two-match T20I series, but dominate Zimbabwe with a superior approach as preparation for the ICC World T20 later this year.
After a convincing win sealed the whitewash in the ODI series, Bangladesh will be beaming with confidence when they take on a rather demotivated Zimbabwe side in the first T20I at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur today. The game will start from 6:00pm BST.
However, Bangladesh have struggled to find the perfect team combination and have lost their last four games in the shortest format. Their dismal batting dominated discussion during their last T20I series against Pakistan in January, when the visitors faced crushing defeats in two games before the third was washed out.
The Tigers struggled to accelerate the scoring rote in the latter stages of the innings and the lack of power hitting continued to be an area of concern in Pakistan. It will be important for Bangladesh to work on those aspects against Zimbabwe.
The likes of Tamim Iqbal and Liton Das have been in terrific form and are expected to continue their influence from the opening slots while head coach Russell Domingo will also keep his eyes on youngsters like Afif Hossain and Mohammad Naim.
Skipper Mahmudullah Riyad and the experienced Mushfiqur Rahim feature in the middle order with all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin, who made an impressive return during the ODI series and will add extra variety to the line-up.
The selectors have included uncapped left-armer Nasum Ahmed in the spin bowling department alongside leg-spinner Aminul Islam Biplob while Mustafizur Rahman, Al Amin Hossain, Shafiul Islam and another uncapped player, Hasan Mahmud, are in the pace bowling department.
Zimbabwe, on the other hand, will attempt to reverse their fortunes. Things have not gone well on their tour of Bangladesh so far and skipper Sean Williams admitted that they were missing the basics in the ODI series. However, he believes the team's fortunes could be turned in a matter of two balls.
Young all-rounder Wesley Madhevere, who impressed with his off-spin and was also handy with the bat in the ODI series, will feature as an exciting prospect for the visitors alongside Donald Tiripano, who has previously showcased his big-hitting ability.
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