Bangladesh national cricket team has started their preparation ahead of T20 World Cup. Tigers will take the American flight after playing a five-match T20 series against Zimbabwe.
In the first match, the hosts will play against Sikandar Raja's Zimbabwe at 6:00 p.m. at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram on Friday.
Skipper Nazmul Hossain Shanto said, “There are no big or small teams in the shorter version.”
“As it is said, Zimbabwe lost to Uganda. Again, Zimbabwe beat Sri Lanka a few days ago. Thinking about it that way doesn't make much of a difference to me,” said the skipper.
Although Zimbabwe is slightly behind the Bangladesh, Shanto expressed his view the series will not be easy. “How we play the match, and prepare ourselves, to build confidence is important. I can say the series will be tough one, there will be a lot of competition. Because they are also a good team,” Shanto opined.
“First of all, I want to win the series as a team leader. That is the first goal.
Preparation must be kept in mind, I will take the game lightly while preparing and will not do many experiments. All the 15 players are capable of beating this team,” the captain expressed his view.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe leans heavily on the in-form Sikandar Raza for both batting and bowling. Their squad selection reflects emphasis on performances at the 2023 African Games Cricket, with Clive Mandane, Brian Bennett, and Johnathan Campbell receiving call-ups. Campbell, son of former captain Alistair Campbell, earns his first national selection.
Zimbabwe's batting relies on the stability of Craig Ervine and Sean Williams, along with the explosiveness of Raza and Ryan Burl. Tadiwanashe Marumani and Brian Bennett are expected to contribute as well.
Richard Ngrava and Blessing Muzarabani lead the bowling attack, with Wellington Masakadza and Raza's off-spin offering valuable support.
Johnathan Campbell's leg-spin could also play a crucial role.
Historically, encounters between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe have been thrilling contests.
Bangladesh holds the edge with 13 wins in their 20 meetings, while Zimbabwe has secured seven victories. In bilateral series, Bangladesh has won three out of seven, with Zimbabwe winning just one.
