Shakib confident of good play in Zimbabwe

DHAKA: Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan feels his side remained favorite for their one-off Test against Zimbabwe despite a lack of preparation.

He struck the optimistic note prior to flying for Harare Wednesday with his squad to play in the only Test match against Zimbabwe.

While talking to banglanews, the captain said, "We have to show good performance in bowling unit for getting 20 wickets of Zimbabwe…We need the best teak work in this regard, otherwise it will not be possible to win the test.”

He said, “We will play Test match after 14 months gap… but boys are fit and as we will face a warm-up match before the final one, we can quickly adapt to their conditions. We are hopeful to do something special on the Zimbabwe tour.”

On the contrary, he pointed out, Zimbabwe are also trying to comeback in Test cricket after a considerable time.

“So they will leave no stone unturned to show the cricketing world that they have the potential and abilities to play regularly in Test cricket against all other test nations," said Shakib.

Tigers left for Zimbabwe to play a Test and five-match ODI series. The Tigers will open their Zimbabwe campaign with a three-day practice match against Zimbabwe XI on July 30 in Harare Sports Club ground.

Hard-hitting opener Tamim Iqbal also told banglanews that it would be possible to get a positive result, “if we can play as per as our strength as well as capability”.

“It has been wonderful so far working under the new Australian coach, Stuart Law, and would love to play his part efficiently for his team`s triumph in Zimbabwe,” he added.

The only Test between the two sides will be held on August 4-8 at Harare Sports Club ground.

After the Test, the touring Bangladesh will play the 1st ODI on August 12, the 2nd on Aug 14, the 3rd on Aug 16, the 4th on Aug 19 and the 5th and last ODI on Aug 21, all at the same venue.

Earlier on July 15, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced a 20-member squad of the national team for the Zimbabwe tour.

The squad comprises Shakib Al Hasan (Captain), Tamim Iqbal (Vice-captain), Imrul Kayes, Zunaed Siddique, Mohammad Ashraful, Mushfiqur Rahim (Wicketkeeper), Mahmud Ullah, Abdur Razzak, Shafiul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Nazmul Hossain, Shahriar Nafees, Robiul Islam, Shuvogata Hom Chowdhury, Nasir Hossain

On the standby are Naeem Islam, Md Sohrawordi, Alok Kopali, Syed Rasel, Sahagir Hossain (Wicketkeeper).

Courtesy: banglanews24.com

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