Bangladesh v Zimbabwe - The Tigers' feet comes to ground

So, the Tigers start the One-day series against Zimbabwe with a defeat. The Bangladeshi boys had been brilliant on the field in the first-half of the game but, it didn’t matter much as because the hosts were left stunned with a nine-run defeat. Zimbabwe now lead the series 1-0.  

The visitors certainly deserve enough credit for being disciplined. Their temperament didn’t tilt despite the pressurized situation. The team which lost the battle of nerves had been the hosts. The running between the wicket had been shoddy and sadly, Mohammad Ashraful frustrated us again. That was a horrifying dismissal. You don’t expect such sort of dismissal from a batsman who has been playing cricket for almost ten years.

It was again Shakib who looked to pull this match out of the fire by scripting a Michael-Hussey-like knock. He tamed the disciplined bowling of Price and Chibhabha by milking singles and couples and when they were put out of the attack Shakib unleashed his attacking strokes to make the silent Mirpur crowd to roar again. Shakib was well aided by Mahmudullah Riyad.

But things didn’t go well for the Tigers as the Zimbabweans went on to win the first ODI. In fact, the Tigers’ batting still looks shoddy. It lacks stability and the urge to to build partnerships. This defeat should be a wake-up call for the Tigers. The lessons must be learned as early as possible.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar