The recent performance of Bangladesh have showed how much they improved. The Tigers are at the highest pick of their confidence. On the other hand Zimbabwe have just tasted a bitter series defeat to Afghanistan and last time they lost to Bangladesh by 5-0 in ODI series in last November. But Tigers' head coach Chandika Hathurusingha does not want to take Zimbabwe lightly in this series.
Talking to the media on Wednesday at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium and shared his views regarding the ODI and T20 series against Zimbabwe which scheduled to start from November 07.
He said "We cannot take any international series lightly. I am not considering Zimbabwe weaker or stronger opponent than other teams. Because, we are going to play an international series. We will play the series with full effort and we take the series seriously."
Last time Bangladesh whitewashed Zimbabwe in all three formats. But Hathurusingha thinks the mind of the team make the difference between the now and past situation.
Coach said, "The mindset of the team is totally different than the last time. This makes the difference. Last time the boys were not aware about their ability. This time they know it. All players of the team have to believe it."
Once there was no competition between players to survive in the Bangladesh national team. But now the scenario has been changed. Players have competition with each other and coach thinks this is a positive sign.
He said, "The competition between the players is good. I would say it a healthy practice. Because the players know they have to perform. The players go through the challenge always. Who are coming to the team are able to do their work. Overall I think our team is in a good position."
Hathurusingha is planning to organise the bowling attack observing the opponent as they did it previous times. The wicket will be also a fact to set the bowling unit.
"We have organised our attack (bowling) observing the lack of opponent. We will take decision after observing the opponent either we field more pacer or spinier. We are strong in both pace and spin. Beside the wicket is also a fact. Whatever the decision is at the end, hope we will do something better, he said.
The coach yet to think about the formation and even Mashrafe has to prove his fitness in the practice match to make his place in the best eleven.
He said, "Mashrafe is getting well. He is not still hundred percent fit. He will play the practice match. He has to make his place proving his fitness. We will think about the team after the practice match."