Bangladesh, who have been suffering a horrendous form in batting, are keen to rectify their mistakes and showcase a better performance in the must-win game
Interim Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah is determined to go beyond their capacity in the series-deciding match against Zimbabwe as he said his side will give 120% to win the Test.
Bangladesh suffered a humiliating 151-run defeat against the visitor in Sylhet as Zimbabwe won a Test match away from home after 17 years.
Bangladesh, who have been suffering a horrendous form in batting, are keen to rectify their mistakes and showcase a better performance in the must-win game.
The Tigers have not crossed the 200-run mark in their last eight Test innings against the likes of Sri Lanka and West Indies, and the drought was eminent when they failed to do so even against lower-ranked Zimbabwe, that too in their own backyard.
Obviously, the main challenge will be to bat better against a confident Zimbabwe side.
“We have discussed ourselves about our performance in the last Test. We tried to figure our mistakes that we made in the first Test match. We know we are not batting well in Test cricket compared to the other two formats. So we are working on that. Besides, we don’t want to think about it too much as that can create extra pressure on us. But we also know it’s a do-or-die situation for us. We have to come back strongly, we have no other option. We always try to give 100% when we play for our country. We will give 120% in this Test to make a strong comeback,” said Mahmudullah in the pre-match press conference in Mirpur Saturday.
Mirpur wicket will be hard to predict but Bangladesh are definitely mulling some changes in their playing XI.
Pacer Mustafizur Rahman is likely to replace spinner Nazmul Islam in the playing XI.
“We know that Mirpur wickets are always unpredictable. You can’t expect more in these wickets. We are going to this wicket about not thinking it too much. We will play according to the wicket at the middle. Certainly we can bring some changes in the playing XI. We will decide after considering the pitch prior to the match,” said Mahmudullah.
The prospect of losing the series against Zimbabwe is not in their minds as they are focusing on their game plan and concentrating on executing them at the middle, informed skipper Mahmudullah.
“Everyone is working hard in our team. Batsmen and bowlers are working hard in practice with skill and strength training. Players are giving their effort and also trying to appreciate others in training. Now our job is to perform well in the upcoming match.”
“We are not panicking about losing the match or series. We are thinking positively. Too much negative thoughts can halt you. We are planning positively about playing great cricket and winning the match,” Mahmudullah concluded.
Source: Dhaka Tribune.