Bangladesh host Zimbabwe in the first of two Test matches to be played at the Sylhet International Stadium in Sylhet on April 20. The home team will have an advantage. They are familiar with these conditions and have players who can capitalize on them. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, do not have a strong Test unit and will also suffer from the heat and humidity endemic in this part of the world. To perform well in this match, Zimbabwe must prepare thoroughly, and it will not be easy for them to do so without first visiting Bangladesh.
Bangladesh’s strong spin attack will have a big say in this game, even when the pitch has not broken enough for them to come into play. Over the years, we have seen how skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto has utilized his spinners to good effect and even turned towards them with the new ball. This has given them a lot of confidence, and playing in home conditions in front of their own supporters will enable them to exploit their potential to the fullest.
Skipper Craig Ervine will have a massive role for Zimbabwe, both with the bat and on the field. He will be expected to be their mainstay with the bat, as he is known to play spin incredibly well. His ability to use his feet to get to the ball’s pitch and execute the sweep shot has made him one of the most feared batters. Yet, he will need some time to adapt to these low, dusty and spinning conditions, and Sean Williams, the veteran all-rounder, can come in handy.
Predicted teams
BAN: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan Ankon, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud.
ZIM: Jonathan Campbell, Wessly Madhevere, Trevor Gwandu, Craig Ervine (c), Sean Williams, Tafadza Tsiga (wk), Ben Curran, Blessing Muzarabani, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi.
Key Players
Richard Ngarava (ZIM): This seamer will lead the Zimbabwe bowling attack in this game. He will have most Bangladeshi batters in sight. Ngarava is known for getting the ball to seam back into right-handers and getting it away from left-handers. His unique skill and ability to bowl cutters make him one of the biggest threats to Zimbabwe. Although the conditions in Sylhet are not precisely known to aid seam bowling, Ngarava will adapt himself and bowl accordingly. He is a lanky seamer who can also generate bounce on any surface.
Mominul Haque (BAN): It goes without saying that Mominul Haque is the player to watch out for in the Bangladesh camp in this game. He has been one of their best players in the longest format of the game and can also be expected to do so here. Haque is known for using the sweep shot effectively and is one of Bangladesh’s top spin players. He also uses his feet well to drive the ball through the gaps in the field, allowing him to score runs without seeming like he is under much pressure.
Match Prediction
Bangladesh will have the most advantage in the first two days of this Test. They will be keen on putting their visitors under pressure as much as possible and pushing them to the wall. Bangladesh also has the advantage of being aware of these conditions, and when they become deadly. The toss becomes crucial on such pitches as neither team would want to bat last when it gets completely cracked and dusty, with spinners ruling the roost.
