Sports

Tiger face Zimbabwe in high spirit

Host Bangladesh already in final will not take things lightly as they face Zimbabwe in the second leg of Rocket Tri-series match on Tuesday at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.

However Mashrafe bin Mortaza, the ODI skipper of Bangladesh is taking nothing as granted. "Tough we have reached our first goal marching into final but that does not mean we will take things lightly. Our opponent Zimbabwe knows that if they can beat us tomorrow then will be in final at Sri Lanka's cost. "

"We want to continue on with our winning streak and also know and respect Zimbabwe and they have shown that by beating Sri Lanka in their own yard, said Mashrafe.

Bangladesh handed Zimbabwe an eight wicket drubbing and Sri Lankan and an incredible 163 runs trashing in their first round group matches and by collecting two bonus points they have booked their final ticket irrespective of the result of next two encounters.

Mashrafe's counterpart Graeme Cremer however expressed his confidence and hope that they can produce their best in the remaining two matches including tomorrow's one. "Now the points table is in interesting position, host Bangladesh is already through with two superlative wins. Now it is left to us and Sri Lanka to decide our fate. I hope our players have to rectify their mistakes committed in first match against Tigers and would look forward for a much better show.

"We would love to confirm our place in the final tomorrow with a win rather wait for the next match against Sri Lanka. But I do agree it's a tough asking but not impossible. So we have to perform to our true potentials to gain positive result tomorrow," said Cremer

Teams:

Zimbabwe (From): Hamilton Masakadza, Solomon Mire, Craig Ervine, Brendan Taylor, Sikandar Raza, Peter Moor(w), Malcolm Waller, Graeme Cremer(c), Kyle Jarvis, Tendai Chisoro, Tendai Chatara, Ryan Murray, Brandon Mavuta, Blessing Muzarabani, Chris Mpofu

Bangladesh (From): Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Anamul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim(w), Sabbir Rahman, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan, Mashrafe Mortaza(c), Mohammad Saifuddin, Mustafizur Rahman, Nasir Hossain, Rubel Hossain, Abul Hasan, Sunzamul Islam, Mohammad Mithun

Source: BSS