Rains threaten to wash out Zim, Bangladesh Test

Brandon Moyo-Zimpapers Sports Hub

RAIN is likely to play spoilsport in the highly-anticipated first Test match between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh scheduled for Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet, Bangladesh tomorrow.

As per the weather forecast, it is set to be raining heavily throughout the five-days reserved for the encounter.

There is an 85 percent chance of rain in the first three days tomorrow, Monday and Tuesday.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the final two days of the match, the weatherman predicts an 80 and 70 percent chance of rain respectively.

With fans for both the Chevrons and Tigers eagerly anticipating this Test match, the game is likely to be highly-affected, with rain emerging as the unlikely winner.

The Chevrons, who touched down at the Osmani International Airport on Wednesday managed to hit the ground running with a pool recovery session which was conducted by the strength and conditioning coach, Curtly Diesel.

The Chevrons’ preparation resumed on Thursday with a training session, but rain ruined the day’s proceedings as it forced them to a delayed start and an early end.

It was the squad’s first practice at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, showcasing energy and focus during warm-ups and fielding drills before rain returned midway through the net session, forcing an early abandonment.

Head coach Justin Sammons said despite their practice session being cut short, he was happy they managed to get some time to prepare while they were still in Harare. The players took part in a four-day regional game where there were some standout performances and Sammons believes that they prepared for all possible conditions.

The South African national added that he was impressed by the players’ attitude, noting their positive mindset and determination despite back-to-back travel days.

“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 forthcoming series marks Zimbabwe’s first Test in Bangladesh since February 2020, when the hosts secured victory in a one-off match in Dhaka by an innings and 106 runs. However, the last meeting between the two was in 2021 in Harare.

From the squad that travelled, only Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, Wellington Masakadza and Victor Nyauchi have previously played Test cricket in Bangladesh. Sammons believes that the series offers a valuable learning opportunity for the other players. He said the most important thing is to draw lessons from this tour, which will help them grow as players.

The Chevrons gaffer is confident that they will be able to upstage the Tigers in their own backyard and secure a series win.

“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.

This Test match will be the 19th red-ball meeting between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh with the Chevrons winning seven while the Tigers have won eight. Three games have ended as draws.

The second match is scheduled for April 28 to May 2 at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram.

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.