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National team assistant coach Stephen Mangongo said the warm-up match results are not a reflection of the team’s performance as they were preparations and a trial meant to blend new players into unfamiliar conditions.
“We are not affected much by the warm-up match results; this is a stage where we are testing new combinations. The likes of Kyle Jarvis and Brian Vitori haven’t played much in subcontinent conditions and this will be a chance for them to adapt.
“We were not ready inasfar as acclimatising as compared to other teams. The Irish, for example, were here 10 days before we played them and we had one travel day and a practice day before we met them,” said Mangongo
Opener Vusi Sibanda top scored for Zimbabwe with 40 runs from 47 balls after Bangladesh won the toss and sent Zimbabwe to bat.
Captain Brendan Taylor added 21 runs to the total but was caught by Mashrafe Mortaza in the 10th over.
Abdur Razzak was the pick of the Tigers’ bowlers after he claimed two wickets for 21 runs in four overs — lower than Zimbabwe’s run rate.
Twice Zimbabwe has not yet been able to build a half century partnership in the tournament which may be a cause for concern in such a tournament.
Bangladesh were the more aggressive in the chase despite losing early wickets. Shakib Al Hassan (38) and Mohammad Ashraful (28) formed a matchwinning 57run partnerships for the second wicket while Ziaur Rahman (26*) and Mahmudullah (23*) finished unbeaten with a 50run partnership for the sixth wicket.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers had a poor turnout as collectively Brian Vitori, Raymond Price and Prosper Utseya went for 94 runs from nine overs.
Zimbabwe will have tougher opposition against hosts Sri Lanka on the 18th of September at Hambantota.
However, Mangongo remains optimistic that Zimbabwe’s pace will suffice and counter Sri Lanka.
“They are likely to prepare a slow and flat wicket which is ideal for their spin bowlers and we can play spin. We have a good lineup of fast bowlers and will unleash them on the day .
“It will be a night match and the toss will be crucial to us — we would like to bat first before the dew settles and our fast bowlers will be able to exploit these conditions,” he said.
derick.khumalo