The Tigers will be eager to register their ninth series win, and fourth this year, over Zimbabwe when the two sides lock horns with each other in the second and penultimate ODI today at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.
The match will begin at 1 in the afternoon and BTV and Gazi TV will telecast it live.
There is however, some contrasting news for the Tigers as maverick all-rounder Shakib al Hasan, who bagged his maiden five-wicket haul in ODIs last Saturday, flew back to the United States yesterday to be beside his expecting wife.
Shakib is expected to miss the rest of the series, also comprising two Twenty20 internationals. Opening batsman Anamul Haque was named as his replacement.
The selectors though hinted on the eve of today’s clash that Anamul has very little chances of making it into the starting XI. Uncapped youngster Kamrul Islam Rabbi, in contrast, has a better chance of making his international bow.
Among those who did feature in the first ODI, Liton Kumar Das and Mahmudullah disappointed with the willow and will be desperate to come good.
As far as the Tigers bowlers are concerned, captain Mashrafe bin Mortaza and left-arm spinner were a bit under-bowled in the first ODI, thanks in no small part to Shakib’s match-winning spell. Sunny will have to marshal the spin department in the absence of Shakib.
The pitch is expected to be similar like the one used in the first ODI with the track offering help to the slow bowlers. The batsmen will have to be patient with their stroke-making and the best example is perhaps Mushfiqur Rahim, who paced his knock perfectly en route to an impressive 107 off 109 balls.
Youngster Sabbir Rahman, who posted his personal best in ODIs two days ago, will be oozing with confidence and the Bangladesh fans will no doubt be anticipating more fireworks from the Rajshahi cricketer.
The Zimbabweans, on the other hand, have a mighty task in their hands as they bid to make a comeback in the series. In order for that to happen, the visitors’ batsmen will have to exercise patience after their below-par showing in the previous match when they were skittled out for a meagre 128 with 13.5 overs of their innings still remaining.
There will be a sure change in the Zimbabwe line-up today with the injured Richmond Mutumbami making way for stumper-batsman Regis Chakabva.