Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusinghe was impressed with the preparation of his charges for the home series against Zimbabwe as the three-day practice match among probable players ended on Saturday. While the bowlers hardly could manage to produce a devastating spell, the batsmen dominated the match to give the hosts some much-needed confidence boost before the three-Test series.
Shamsur Rahman and Sakib al Hasan, who missed out on a significant performance score in the last two days, also hit the form with Shamsur hitting 77 off 90 balls to lead BCB Green to eight-wicket win.
Nasir Hossain also had some useful practice scoring 65 runs from 60 balls as BCB Red set a target of 208 runs for Green, who knocked it off in 44 overs.
Sakib played his part scoring a quick 34 after opening the innings with Shamsur. Sakib was told to open after he could manage just five runs in the first innings. Shubhagata Hom chipped in with 63 runs.
‘I am very happy with the preparation,’ Hathurusinghe told reporters after the game. More so the guys who are in contention for the Test match bowled and batted well and their attitude off the field were really good. I think they covered everything.’
The only complaint about the batmen was their inability to make a hundred as Tamim Iqbal and Mominul Haque got out after scoring 92 and 84 runs. A total of eight half-centuries were scored throughout the game but none could convert their fifty into a century.
‘It is a concern if that happens in the Test matches but here it’s all about spending time in the middle,’ said Hathurusinghe
‘Some of the guys had to retire and they knew that we are going to get them out but positive side is getting runs on the board,’ said Hathurusinghe, adding he was impressed with Abul Hassan and Shahadat Hossain
‘Both Raju[ Abul Hassan] and Shahadat were impressive,’ he said. ‘First time I saw Raju as a bowler as well as a batsman. Shahadat of course he bowled well but he is still coming back and he needs to improve his fitness,’ said the Sri Lankan.
The head coach also does not have any complaint against the spinners.
‘The spinners bowled well and the only thing is our batters are really good against spin. And this wicket is really flat,’
And spinners didn’t get much turn and this was a third day wicket ideally in the Test matches. I expect the spinners to do a lot more work on the fourth and fifth days,’ said Hathurusinghe.
Hathuurusinghe said that he is confident that his side will be able to come out successful against the Zimbabwean side as they have the advantage of playing at home.
‘Realistically I think [we should win] because we have home advantage. But we can’t underestimate Zimbabwe because recently I saw they beat Australia while they played South Africa and Australia at home.
-With New Age input
