Mazhar Uddin

Zimbabwe have over the years been the ideal opposition for Bangladesh whenever the Tigers have been looking to gain confidence and return to winning ways following a string of defeats across formats.

Regardless of the strength of the opposition, a win always gives confidence to any team and inspires them to improve, but things have never gone right for Bangladesh despite the gains in confidence from defeating Zimbabwe.

The Tigers had previously returned to winning ways in the Test format by defeating Zimbabwe following a string of six consecutive losses, including a shock defeat to Afghanistan at home in 2019.

But after that convincing innings-and-106-run win, Bangladesh could not capitalise on the momentum and went on to lose their next two Test series. The Tigers first lost a two-match Test series 2-0 at home to an inexperienced West Indies side earlier this year and followed that with a 1-0 series defeat in Sri Lanka in May.

After those losses, Bangladesh left for Zimbabwe and registered a comprehensive 220-run win in the lone Test, presumably bolstering confidence ahead of a three-match ODI and three-match T20I series on their current tour.

The trend in T20Is is similar to the Test tale. Bangladesh lost four games straight before getting back to winning ways by defeating Zimbabwe 2-0 in March last year. They then went on to lose the next series 3-0 against New Zealand.

ODIs are the Tigers’ favoured format and Tamim Iqbal’s side managed to clinch the last three-match series 2-1 against an inexperienced Sri Lankan side at home after being whitewashed in a three-match ODI series in New Zealand.

The visitors will take part in a warm-up game today ahead of the crucial ODI series, starting from July 16, which is part of the ICC Men’s World Cup Super League.

Bangladesh will be desperate to gain the maximum number of points from this series, but will wins the confidence gained from wins against help Bangladesh when the opponents are tougher and stronger?

Disappointingly, the answer remains has always been in the negative. And it is not because the Tigers have beaten a relatively weaker opponent, it is also because of the lack of foresight within the Bangladesh think-tank that hinders them from working on tougher challenges that await.

There is no scope to undermine Zimbabwe as a team nor any victory against them, but it is also important for Bangladesh to develop a culture of learning not just from their defeats, but from the wins as well.

There are once again bigger and tougher challenges for the Tigers on the horizon. The Tigers will host Australia for a five-match T20 series, which will be followed by series against England and New Zealand.

PHOTO: COLLECTTED

Wicketkeeper batsman Mushfiqur Rahim tries to catch a ball during practice yesterday in Harare. Mushfiqur has reportedly made himself available for the T20 series against Zimbabwe, retreating from his previous position of skipping the shortest format during the tour.