When the Australians postponed their scheduled tour last
month, the mood in the cricket fraternity of Bangladesh was doleful and
disquieted. The much anticipation regarding the eagerly awaited series was
dashed by Cricket Australia’s (CA) shocking decision.
CA’s decision hurts because the law and order and political
situation of Bangladesh was not at its worst, not as bad as to require calling
off of a tour. CA’s withdrawal from the tour dished out a tougher challenge for
the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
When teams like Australia and England deny to tour a country
citing security reasons, it automatically dents the image of the host country
and makes others think twice before touring. Nazmul Hassan was not to give up
easily, but accepted the challenge of putting up the image of Bangladesh in the
most appropriate manner.
How the tables have turned on
Bangladesh and Zimbabwe
BCB contracted Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) and brought their
expected tour forward in November. The Bangladesh-Zimbabwe series was
originally scheduled for January 2016, when the sides were supposed to play two
Tests, three one-day internationals and three Twenty20s. But after Australia
postponed their tour earlier this month, Nazmul Hassan convinced ZC about the
tour.
Zimbabwe responded well and agreed to tour Bangladesh and
their friendly gesture amid this crisis situation demands enough respect.
Retirements of the past greats and political turmoil have
affected the prosperity of cricket in Zimbabwe. In the 90s and early 2000s,
Zimbabwe were among the most feared teams in world cricket. Cricketers like
Andy Flower, Grant Flower, Heath Streak, Raymond Price, Alastair Campbell and
co made Zimbabwe an extremely competitive side, both in one-day and Test
formats and at one point, even teams like Pakistan, India and England felt the
heat of their passion and determination to win. And, in those days,
Bangladesh’s experience against Zimbabwe was not very heartening.
Any match against Bangladesh was a cakewalk for Zimbabwe,
but in the course of time, Zimbabwe lost their vigor and vim and at the moment,
it’s the Tigers who rule the roost. So far, Bangladesh have played 64 ODIs
against Zimbabwe and won 36 times. At home, Bangladesh have been a dominating
force against their archrivals.
Till the third ODI match against Bangladesh in Chittagong in
2005, Zimbabwe’s ODI record in Bangladesh had been 100%. But, since that
memorable turn around in the third ODI, Bangladesh’s dominance against Zimbabwe
became an established fact. So far, Bangladesh have played 33 ODI matches
against Zimbabwe at home and won 22 of them – quite a brilliant achievement.
Proving a point, not just fulfilling
a promise
Above all, in 2015, Bangladesh’s performance have been
staggering enough, which have made them one of the most entertaining sides in
the limited-overs format. Brilliant performances in the ICC World Cup, ODI
series against Pakistan, India and South Africa have taken Bangladesh cricket
to a new height; considering their recent form, the one-day series against
Zimbabwe should have a foregone conclusion in favour of the Tigers.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s recent performance against Afghanistan
was shoddy. They went on to lose both the ODI and Twenty20 series, which
doesn’t give the impression that they will be able to fare well against a
spirited Bangladesh unit. But, the hunger and determination of the Zimbabwean
team must not be taken lightly.
Since Dav Whatmore became the coach of Zimbabwe, they have
hinted at signs of improvement. There had been brilliant individual
performances, but the fighting displays hardly converted into victories.
Players like Craig Ervine, Sean Williams and Elton Chugumbura have been
inspiring and great motivators for the youngsters in the team. He has instilled
the positive intent among his men, which is expected to be effective in the
course of time.
Moreover, Whatmore knows Bangladesh cricket very well and is
well aware about the Tigers’ strength and weaknesses. And in that sense,
Bangladesh need to be careful about the Whatmore factor more than the Zimbabwe
cricket team.
The visitors have started the tour with a bang by thrashing
the BCB XI by seven wickets in the warm-up match in Fatullah. It was won in the
most comprehensive manner and conveyed the Tigers the message that they are
here to prove a point and not just fulfill a promise.
Note: This article has been published in Sportskeeda on 06/11/2015 Bangladesh are the
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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