Miraz refuses to take Zimbabwe lightly

Dhaka, 6 April -Bangladesh allrounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz refused to take Zimbabwe lightly, saying that in International cricket, 'there is nothing like big or small team.'

Zimbabwe will arrive in Bangladesh on April 15 for two-match Test series, 
which will be Bangladesh's first assignment in longer version format after 
almost five months.

"International matches are always difficult. There is nothing like big teams 
or small teams," Miraz said here today. "If you perform here, you will get 
international recognition."

Zimbabwe are the only team against whom Bangladesh won more matches than lost 
in the Test format. They won eight and lost seven in 18 meeting against 
Zimbabwe. 

Moreover Since March, 2021, Bangladesh have been enjoying a good outing in 
this format winning eight out of 29 Tests that included a historical Test win 
against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui, a maiden Test series win over 
Pakistan in Pakistan and a Test win over West Indies in the Caribbean after 
15 years.

On the other hand, Zimbabwe haven't won any Test in the last four years.
Given Zimbabwe's recent struggle and Bangladesh's dominance, Miraz said he 
sees such a series as an opportunity for youngsters.

"There are many young players, I think they will have opportunities," he 
said, adding that In West Indies, Bangladesh won a Test, relying on the young 
players.

The allrounder hoped that the youngsters will grab that opportunity with both 
hands.

 "It is very important for the youngsters to perform. Most of our senior 
players have already retired. We have to take the responsibility gradually 
and those who are there have to perform," he opined.

 We have to take Bangladesh to the next level, that responsibility is ours, 
he said.

Bangladesh last played a Test against the West Indies in December last year. 
Miraz led the team to victory as captain in the last match of that series in 
the absence of Nazmul Hossain Shanto. That was Bangladesh's first Test win in 
the West Indies since 2009.

Mirz believes that confidence will come in handy against Zimbabwe.

"The challenge will be immense because it’s International cricket. We played 
very good cricket in the West Indies. Those who played those matches, that 
confidence will definitely come in handy.'

"We may get 10 days before the Test. I believe we can prepare well within 10 
days."

The first Test will start on April 20 at the Sylhet International Cricket 
Stadium. The second Test is from April 28 in Chattogram.

After this series, the Bangladesh team will play Tests after about six 
months. Miraz believes that since everyone is in the game, this break will 
not have any negative impact on the team.

He also said that the Bangladesh team may play a two-day warm-up match in 
Sylhet before the first Test.