Bangladesh should conquer Zimbabwe

The cricketing world is busy with the cash-rich show named the Indian Premier League. Its glamorous razzmatazz is so bright that it's quite impossible to pay attention towards other cricketing events. Amid this pomp and grandeur of IPL 6, Test cricket will halt its caravan in Zimbabwe where the two most low-key teams in world cricket, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, will clash in a two-match series starting April 17.

As a matter of fact, the Test battle between these two nations hasn't yet essayed any epic clashes. So far they had been heavily one-sided affairs and thus, other than the home teams' followers, their clash hardly attracts the cricket fans.

For Bangladeshi supporters, the tour of Zimbabwe tour bears enough importance. The 130-run humiliation at the hands of a naive Zimbabwe unit two years back still hurts. Back in 2011, Zimbabwe had just returned to Test cricket after a six-year gap and a pretty inexperienced side toppled an experienced Bangladesh unit with skill and merit. It was an absolute shocker. That story must not be repeated again this time around.

Since that Harare defeat in 2011, the Bangladesh cricket team has improved by leaps and bounds. It's a team which is more resourceful and resilient in fight, less prone to intimidation, full of self-confidence and assurance. In the recently concluded Test series against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh had shown enough character to make the home team sweat even without the services of the major players which indicate that the Tigers are spirited and confident to give their best shot. In contrast, Zimbabwe's spirit since 2011 seems down and so far, in the series they have played, they have been outclassed comprehensively. So, Bangladesh do have the upper hand over their opponent.

Zimbabwe has never been a happy hunting ground for Bangladesh. Either the stiff bounce or some majestic individual efforts have always dented our hopes. In the past, the bounce of the Harare track had always posed a threat for our batsmen. This time around, Kyle Jarvis is the man who will ask questions of the batsmen with his incisiveness. In fact, Jarvis was instrumental in scripting Zimbabwe's epic win over Bangladesh two years back.

Over the past few years, Zimbabwe cricket might not have shone brightly but Jarvis exhibited his skills with authority and has improved a lot. In that case, the Bangladesh batsmen must be very solid in their defence and foot work. Shane Jurgensen and Mushfiqur Rahim must study Jarvis thoroughly. Again, the likes of Brendan Taylor and Hamilton Masakadza cannot be taken lightly.

Since that win two years ago, the Zimbabweans have not unleashed any spirited performances but still they can't be taken lightly as in their own den they are a different kettle of fish, especially against Bangladesh,

Basking in the past glories won't fetch anything if the same fate regarding the Zimbabwe tour repeats again. In terms of experience and confidence, Bangladesh are way ahead of Zimbabwe and it is expected that our spinners will make the Zimbabwean batsmen suffer.The batting is sure to be boosted by the return of Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan and Shahriar Nafees while the Enamul Haque Jr has given the bowling attack enough strength.

But these assets must strike gold and the team should conquer Zimbabwe this time around. For the Bangladeshis, a defeat against Zimbabwe is as painful as an Australian feels after losing to England in the Ashes.

Note: This article has been published on April 12, 2013 in cricketnext.com Bangladesh should conquer Zimbabwe 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar