Rubel optimistic on Tigers show against Zimbabwe

DHAKA —Bangladesh fast bowler Rubel Hossain was optimistic to bring up a better result from Zimbabwe this time around, considering the fact that the Tigers grew with strength to strength since their last visit in the Southern African nation.

In 2013, when Bangladesh last visited Zimbabwe, the hosts were no longer a force to reckon with, still the Tigers lost the three-match ODI series by 2-1 before salvaging  a draw in two-match Test and T20 series.

Rubel believed Bangladesh had come a long way since the series and established them a stronger outfit, specially in the ODI cricket. While they are still vulnerable in longer version format, Rubel think in T20 cricket, they are gradually growing as a strong unit.

“Personally I believe that we have been really doing well in one-day cricket and so this time around, we are standing on a good chance to beat Zimbabwe at their own backyard,” Rubel said here today.

“I think we are also good in T20 cricket. Overall in T20 and ODI cricket, we have a chance to win the series,” he added.

Having said that Rubel looked somewhat cynical bout their chance in the Test format.

“They will play the Test at their own backyard and they know the condition better than us. But if we play to our potential and everyone comes up with their best, we can expect something positive in the Test format,” he said.

Rubel however though is drafted in ODI format of cricket, he found no place in Test and T20 cricket. While his poor Test average always plays a role in axing him from the longer version format, his exclusion from the T20 format of cricket also was no surprise.

In the last Bangabandhu Dhaka Premier League (DPL), which was held in T20 format, Rubel looked out of touch but he reasoned that the injury and niggles played a role in playing not-so-good in DPL.

“I am now fit and well. In the last DPL, I have some problems  but now I am hundred percent fit. If I get the chance, I will give my hundred percent for the team,” Rubel said, adding that the Zimbabwe condition will suit his bowling style.

“While we are experiencing here extreme heat, in Zimbabwe, we’ll feel severe cold now. And it is tough to adjust with that condition after coming there from Bangladesh. But I had played many matches in my life in such condition.”

At the same time, he reckoned that the pace bowlers would have to play a vital role in this condition.

“The condition you know is challenging for the pacers. But the pace bowlers have to play the vital role if they want Bangladesh to win the series. Pacers role is always important in Zimbabwe. If we can play according to the game-plan, I think we, the pacers, will thrive in that condition,” he opined.

Rubel along with the other cricketers -- Naim Sheikh, Mohammad Mithun, Afif Hossain, Saifuddin, Mustafizur Rahman, Mosaddek Hoassain Saikat—called up for the ODI series practiced today at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

They were also accompanied by Soumya Sarkar, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Shamim Hossain Patwari and Aminul Islam Biplob who are in the T20 squad.

The day before they leave for Zimbabwe, they will be tested for Covid-19. If they come back negative in the result, they will get the permission to board the flight. These cricketers will leave the country at the early hour of July 7 and join the practice after one day quarantine.

Bangladesh’s solitary Test match against Zimbabwe, scheduled from July 7 -11. However their three ODIs are slated July 16, 18 and 20 and then they will take on the hosts for three-match T20 International series, scheduled to be held on July 23, 25 and 27.

Bangladesh squad:

Test: Mominul Haque (Captain), Tamim Iqbal, Shadman Islam, Saif Hassan, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Liton Das, Yasir Ali Chowdhury, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Abu Jayed Chowdhury Rahi, Taskin Ahmed, Ebadot Hossian Chowdhury, Shoriful Islam, Mahmudullah Riyad.

ODI: Tamim Iqbal (Captain), Naim Sheikh, Liton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Mosaddek Hossian Shaikat, Mohammad  Mithun, Afif Hossian, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Rubel Hossian, Shoriful Islam

T20I: Mahmudullah (Captain), Tamim Iqbal, Naim Sheikh, Liton Kumar Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Soumya Sarker, Afif Hossain, Shamim Hossain Patwari, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Nasum Ahmed, Sheikh Mahedi Hasan, Aminul Islam Biplob, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam.BSS