Monday
28 April, 2025
News Flash
News Flash
DHAKA, April 27, 2025 (BSS)-In a bid to avoid a series sweep at the hands of Zimbabwe for the first time on home soil, Bangladesh will take on the visitors in the second and final Test tomorrow (Monday) at the Bir Shrestha Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram.
The match, which starts at 10:00am, will be aired live on state-run Bangladesh Television (BTV).
Bangladesh stood on the verge of being whitewashed in the series following their three-wicket defeat in the first Test in Sylhet.
The batting meltdown scripted the ignominious defeat against a side which is considered a minnow in Test cricket.
The visiting side shrewdly utilized Bangladesh's batting vulnerability to seal their first victory in this format since 2021. It was also their first victory on Bangladesh soil since 2018.
Having won the game, Zimbabwe leveled with Bangladesh in terms of overall victory in Test format. Both the teams now won eight matches against each other in 19 meetings.
But, at this moment, the number of victories, stats or anything else is secondary for Bangladesh as their pride is at stake.
Bangladesh knew that a comeback won't be tougher one given how Zimbabwe struggled to chase down only 174 runs in the first innings. In fact Bangladesh bowlers bowled to their reputation to keep the game evenly contested despite the batters' reckless batting.
"We are looking at the process to get out of this situation," Bangladesh batter Jaker Ali Anik, who hit 58 in the second innings of the Sylhet Test to achieve a rare feat of hitting fifty in each of his first four Tests, said.
"Since the first Test did not go as we planned, we believe we need to iron out the things. We have discussed about it," he added.
Of course, the focus on batting will be our main priority, since we've been struggling for a quite long time, he remarked.
Getting all out below 200 in the first innings, became now quite normal for Bangladesh, at least on home ground, where they haven't won any Test match since 2023.
In the first innings of the Sylhet Test, the Tigers, as they are popularly known, were bowled out for just 191 and conceded 82-run lead. In the second innings too, they continued their wayward batting to be all out for just 255, setting Zimbabwe a meager 174-run for a victory.
"We have discussed how to improve shot selection. Bowlers alone cannot win matches. We want all our batsmen to give their best performance in the coming match," Jaker said.
Bangladesh are highly likely to bring up at least two changes to the side with Anamul Haque Bijoy, who made a comeback to the Test fold after three years, could replace one opener.
Pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib is likely to make his Test debut as Nahid Rana was released to play the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
After winning the first Test, Zimbabwe are high on confidence at this moment and keen to make the occasion more memorable by wrapping up the series successfully.
However, Zimbabwe opener Ben Curran expected Bangladesh to come hard at them in the second Test.
"We are expecting Bangladesh to come really hard at us. We are not expecting this to be an easy game," Curran said.
"We have to work hard for every moment. We can hopefully put in a similar performance to the last game."
Curran said the vibe in the team is excellent following the victory, which also gave them a lot of confidence.
"The boys are confident. We will keep doing our processes right. Conditions in Chattogram will be different here from Sylhet," the opener said.
Bangladesh: Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Vice Captain), Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.
Zimbabwe: Craig Ervine (c), Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Ben Curran, Trevor Gwandu, Wessly Madhevere, Wellington Masakadza, Vincent Masekesa, Nyasha Mayavo, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams.
