Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe, 2nd Test, Preview - The wounded Tigers focus on bouncing back hard

Zimbabwe won a Test match after five years just a weak ago.

Published - 10 Nov 2018, 22:58 IST | Updated - 10 Nov 2018, 22:58 IST

2 Min Read

Zimbabwe created history in the first Test against Bangladesh. They won a Test match after five years and this was also their first victory away from home since 2001. There were several questions that were raised on Bangladesh’s performance and the side was flocked with severe criticism.

Incidentally, 17 years back, when Zimbabwe won an away game, it was the same opposition. However, even after all these years, Bangladesh were not able to decimate the weak opposition, which was quite disappointing. The wounded ‘Tigers’ will be seeking a revenge and wanting to bounce back and level the series. They’ve got the resources to do so but the players will have to roll their sleeves up and rise up to the occasion.

Zimbabwe, on the other hand, has got momentum on their side. They will be a confident side after the historic win and will want to upset the hosts yet again. This will be a contest to watch but still, Bangladesh will be going into this game as the favourites. The hosts will hope for a turnaround with Dhaka being a favourable venue for them.

Team Combinations

Bangladesh

Liton Das will open the innings alongside Imrul Kayes for the home team. Nazmul Hossain, Mominul Haque will be there in the middle order. While Mushfiqur Rahim will don the gloves, skipper Mahmudullah, Ariful Haque and Mehidy Hasan will take up the roles of all-rounders in the side. Taijul Islam and Nazmul Islam will make it into the eleven. They might consider replacing Abu Jayed with Mustafizur Rahman.

Predicted XI: Liton Das, Imrul Kayes, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah (C), Ariful Haque, Mehidy Hasan, Taijul Islam, Nazmul Islam, Abu Jayed/Mustafizur Rahman.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe wouldn’t want to tinker much around with the winning combination. However, with Brian Chari not performing as expected, they might be forced to bring in Craig Ervine into the eleven. Hamilton Masakadza will lead the side while Regis Chakabva will keep the wickets. The onus will again be on the spin trio of Wellington Masakadza, Raza, Mavuta and Williams.

Predicted XI: Hamilton Masakadza (C), Craig Ervine, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Peter Moor, Regis Chakabva (wk), Brandon Mavuta, Wellington Masakadza, Kyle Jarvis, Tendai Chatara.

Focus will be on

Mahmudullah (Bangladesh)

Bangladesh skipper Mahmudullah didn’t perform as per the expectations in the first Test. He bagged a duck in the first innings and followed it up with 16 runs in the second innings. He seems to be under the pump at the moment and there would be a lot of eyes watching him keenly and he will need to deliver if Bangladesh is to do well.

Sean Williams (Zimbabwe)

Sean Williams is one of the most experienced players in the Zimbabwe lineup. Although he has just played 9 Tests, he has got tons of exposure in limited-overs cricket. He brought all of this skill to the fore in the first game to help Zimbabwe put up a brilliant first innings total. Yet again, the visitors will bank their hopes on this man and he would want to come good.