Zimbabwe due today to play four T20s
Sports Reporter
Zimbabwe, a familiar opponent of the Tigers, are set to arrive in Bangladesh today for a four-match Twenty20 series, starting on January 15 in Khulna.
They will land Dhaka at 4.55 pm, according to the schedule provided by BCB logistic committee. After spending the night in Dhaka, they will head for Khulna on Tuesday afternoon. Khulna Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium will host all of the four T20 Internationals between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. The matches are on January 15, 17, 20 and 22.
The Southern African nation last visited the country for a three-match ODI and two-match T20 series in November last year. They were whitewashed in the ODI series and drew the T20 series 1-1 after Nevil Madziva produced a last over heroic to avoid the tour sweep.
However this time they would come in more jaded state. They have lost the five-match ODI series to ICC associates Afghanistan by 2-3 and also lost the first T20. Till filing of this report, the second T20 between the two sides was going on at Sharjah, UAE.
It was supposed to be a Test series but the two boards mutually agreed to play a T20 series in order to have a good preparation for the upcoming World T20. For Bangladesh its an experimental series as they aim to get a proper combination for the Asia Cup T20 and World T20.
Bangladesh often found them in vulnerable state in this particular format and thereby they are keen to sort out the mistakes. They have already reached Khulna to have a preparation.
On the first day of the practice session, the Bangladeshs 24 team members, spilt into two groups, played two practice matches on Saturday. While Shakibs Green team won the first match by 19 runs, Mashrafes Red team took a revenge by winning the second match by 22 runs.
However six members who are not in the 14-member squad, left Khulna yesterday to join their BCL sides. Four members- Taskin Ahmed, Mohammad Shahid, Saqlain Sajib and Mosaddek Hossain Saikat stayed with the team, giving it an indication that they might be considered for the last two T20 matches. Nasir Hossain who didnt find the place in 14-member was also in the selection radar for the last two T20s.
