Bangladesh and Zimbabwe are all set for an exciting five-match T20I series, with the first match scheduled for Friday at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram.
Both teams are eager to claim victory and build momentum ahead of their respective goals.
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For Bangladesh, the series serves as crucial preparation for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, which will take place in June in the USA and the West Indies. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto emphasised the importance of this series.
“First and foremost, as captain, I want to win this series. That is the primary goal.” He acknowledged that the series would be competitive. “This series will not be easy. It will be a very competitive series because they are also a very good team.”
Addressing inconsistencies in the top-order will be crucial for Bangladesh in this series. Mohammad Saifuddin's return bolsters the team's strength in the lower middle-order, and all eyes will be on the all-rounder's performance as he makes his comeback.
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Zimbabwe, still reeling from their disappointment at missing out on the T20 World Cup, is determined to prove their worth and build a strong legacy. Captain Sikander Raza expressed the pain of missing the World Cup.
“It's not just pain that we're feeling now, I think it's something that we're going to have to carry for a long time,” Raza said.
However, he also emphasised the team's motivation, saying, “We have a huge responsibility back home. The future of the sport in the country is enough motivation for me to try and take away the pain and always look forward.”
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Raza acknowledged the potential for an exciting series, highlighting the quality of both teams.
“I think it will be a very well-fought series. Both countries have a lot of things on the line. Bangladesh has a World Cup to look forward to... We have a legacy, and we have our own missions to accomplish,” he said.
In the 20 previous clashes, Bangladesh won 13 T2oIs against their most familiar foes. The first match will kick off at 6:00 pm local time.