Zimbabwe coach Dav Whatmore believes Bangladesh is a good side in other formats but in Twenty20 they have got to improve and his charges are capable of giving them a good fight.
The Sri Lankan-born former Australian Cricketer, who coached Bangladesh from 2003-2007, spoke to journalists at Khulna on Wednesday ahead of the four-match series against the hosts.
‘Bangladesh is good but in this format they have got a bit of improvement to do,’ said the 61-year old coach.
‘I don’t like making comments about opposition but in this format we have got a chance,’ he added.
Although Zimbabwe lost 3-0 in the ODI series in November 2015 but they drew the two match Twenty-20 series 1-1 thanks to their three-wicket victory in the second match.
That win on November 15 helped Zimbabwe broke their duck against Bangladesh as they lost 13 matches in a row across all formats since their last victory at Bulawayo on May 11, 2013.
Perhaps that history would encourage Whatmore and his boys though he claimed that apart from winning they will also look forward to find the right combination for the forthcoming World Twenty20.
‘We have come here to win. We are also mindful that we have another 10 games before the World T20. There will be a portion of looking at different combinations.’
Zimbabwe lost to Afghanistan in both their home and away series recently but the coach said they could not field their best side and hoped the series will help them to find the proper combination.
‘Our best team hasn’t been on the pitch in quite a while. We are still looking at other objectives to achieve in this four-match series.’
Whatmore, who also coached Sri Lanka and Pakistan and Indian
junior side, said the teams need to be flexible in the World Twenty20 as he thinks Indian wickets will be batting friendly and spinners will not get much help.
‘I am not sure [if] Indian wickets are going to take too much spin. What I have seen in the IPL are good batting wickets.
‘I think teams need to be prepared for either medium-pace and quick combinations and also have the ability to use spin bowlers without damaging their batting. I think you need to be flexible.’
The sixth ICC World Twenty20 tournament is scheduled to be held in India from March 8 to April 3.
-With New Age input
