Online ReporterBrandon Moyo, [email protected]
RAIN is likely to disrupt the highly anticipated first Test match between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh, scheduled to begin on Sunday at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet, Bangladesh. The weather forecast indicates a strong likelihood of heavy rain throughout the five days allocated for the contest.
There is an 85 percent chance of rain predicted for the first three days — Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. For Wednesday and Thursday, the final two days of the match, the weather forecaster predicts an 80 and 70 percent chance of rain respectively.
With fans of both the Chevrons and the Tigers eagerly awaiting this Test match, the game is likely to be significantly affected by the downpours, with rain potentially emerging as an unwelcome victor.
The Chevrons, who arrived at Osmani International Airport on Wednesday, wasted no time in beginning their preparations with a pool recovery session led by strength and conditioning coach Curtly Diesel. The Chevrons’ preparation continued on Thursday with a training session, but rain hampered the day’s activities, causing a delayed start and an early finish.
It was the squad’s first practice at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, with players showing energy and focus during warm-ups and fielding exercises before rain returned midway through the net session, forcing them to abandon it early.
Head coach Justin Sammons said that despite their practice session being curtailed, he was pleased that they had managed to get some preparation time while still in Harare. The players participated in a four-day regional match where there were some notable performances, and Sammons believes they have prepared for all possible conditions.
The South African national added that he was impressed with the players’ attitude, noting their positive mindset and determination despite consecutive days of travel.
“It’s unfortunate (rain disruption), but obviously these things you can’t control. I’m happy with the preparation we got in Harare. We had four good days of a regional game there, so the guys are coming off quite a bit of game time.
“And we sort of prepared for all possible conditions when we were in Harare. That was nice. The guys are in good spirits. The players have had some nice time together in the change room after two sort of heavy travel days. So, I am happy with where the group is at,” said Sammons.
The upcoming series marks Zimbabwe’s first Test in Bangladesh since February 2020, when the hosts secured a comprehensive victory by an innings and 106 runs in a one-off match in Dhaka. However, the most recent encounter between the two sides was in 2021 in Harare.
Of the current touring squad, only Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, Wellington Masakadza, and Victor Nyauchi have previous experience playing Test cricket in Bangladesh.
Head coach Sammons believes this series presents a valuable learning opportunity for the less experienced players. He emphasised the importance of extracting lessons from this tour to facilitate their growth as cricketers.
Despite the historical challenges, the Chevrons’ coach is confident in their ability to surprise the Tigers on their home turf and secure a series victory.
“It’s going to be a massive learning opportunity for the group. For most of them, it’s their first time here in whites.
“The key is to take the lessons from this experience and grow as cricketers. Every time we come into a series, we play to win, and nothing changes here. We strongly believe we have a group of players that can really compete and take the series back with us to Zimbabwe,” said Sammons.
The Test match marks the 19th red-ball encounter between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh. In their previous meetings, the Chevrons have secured seven victories, while the Tigers have won eight, with three matches ending in a draw.
Zimbabwe
squad
for
the
Test
series:
Craig Ervine (Captain), Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Ben Curran, Trevor Gwandu, Wessly Madhevere, Wellington Masakadza, Vincent Masekesa, Nyasha Mayavo, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams
Bangladesh squad:
Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan Ankon, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.
@brandon_malvin
