Young players’ opportunity to make statement: Tamim

Bangladesh ODI skipper Tamim Iqbal urged the young players in the squad to capitalise on the chances when they take on hosts Zimbabwe in the three-match ODI series, starting at the Harare Sports Club on Friday from 1:15pm (BST).

"There are one or two spots in the squad which have not been cemented yet. So, considering that, there is an opportunity for every young player to make their statement and get into the eleven," Tamim, who has always been focusing on the next year's World Cup in India ever since he assumed the leadership role, said in a pre-match briefing today.

Bangladesh head into the series on the back of ODI series triumphs over South Africa and the West Indies, and the Tigers are undoubtedly favourites in the 50-over format against an inexperienced Zimbabwe side.

Regis Chakabva has been named Zimbabwe captain for the ODI series as regular skipper Craig Ervine was rested to help him recover from his recent niggles.

All-rounder Sean Williams will also not take part in the series as he has been given time off to attend personal matters. Takudzwanashe Kaitano and Tarisai Musakanda have replaced the two veterans in the 15-member squad.

The rest of the squad comprises players who featured in Zimbabwe's 2-1 T20I series victory over the Tigers.

But Tamim was not ready to take his opponents lightly in this series.

"Considering the strengths of the two squads, we are definitely ahead of them. But in cricket, whichever team plays better on the day, wins. Zimbabwe won the T20I series simply because they played better cricket than us.

"It's the same when it comes to the ODI series. We obviously want to beat them but for that we would have to bring our A-game. In their conditions, Zimbabwe are a dangerous team," Tamim cautioned.

"We would need to follow the process so that we can come out as winners even from difficult situations."

FIXTURES 
August 5: First ODI, Harare 
August 7: Second ODI, Harare 
August 10: Third ODI, Harare