Bangladesh Look to Maitain Winning Momentum

Khulna: Bangladesh were stretched to the limit by a determined Zimbabwe in the first Test at Chittagong. The match witnessed some wonderful individual performances and resulted in some statistical milestones.

A five-wicket haul by Shakib Al Hasan on his comeback was upstaged by a remarkable spell from Taijul Islam, who picked up 8 for 39, the best bowling figures by a Bangladesh player in Tests. A target of 101 was achieved thanks to Mushfiqur Rahim holding firm towards the end despite Elton Chigumbura's 4 for 21.

The three-wicket win by Bangladesh in the first Test saw positives for both teams. When the conditions are helpful for the bowlers, both teams possess the attack to bowl oppositions out.

However, Bangladesh's bowling is a bit more superior due to their spin bowlers. Zimbabwe can be proud that they put up a fight but they will have to improve their batting. Sikandar Raza was the only batsman who scored a fifty and skipper Brendan Taylor said that with the batting performance, the team did not deserve to win.

As the series shifts to Khulna, Bangladesh will be aiming to seal the series and register their first series win of 2014. Zimbabwe will look to square the series and take the fight to Chittagong.

The return of Shakib Al Hasan boosted Bangladesh's bowling arsenal but Bangladesh will be hoping that he contributes with the bat as well. The pivot of the Bangladesh batting, though, has been Mominul Haque. He is currently averaging 58 in Tests and he will be the key at the top.

However, with his haul of 8 f or 39 in the first game, the bowling onus will be on Taijul Islam to touch the lofty heights yet again. The pre-match build-up has focused on Anamul Haque and he might play in the second Test.

Zimbabwe will be happy with their bowling but they will have to strengthen the batting. However, with most of the batsmen getting starts in the first Test, it is unlikely that skipper Brendan Taylor might make any changes to the side.

Teams from:

Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal, Shamsur Rahman, Mominul Haque, Mahmudullah, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim (Capt. & wk), Shuvagata Hom, Taijul Islam, Shahadat Hossain, Jubair Hossain, Rubel Hossain, Shafiul Islam, Marshall Ayub, Anamul Haque

Zimbabwe: Vusi Sibanda, Sikandar Raza, Hamilton Masakadza, Brendan Taylor (Capt.), Elton Chigumbura, Craig Ervine, Regis Chakabva (wk), John Nyumbu, Tinashe Panyangara, Tendai Chatara, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Malcolm Waller, Richmond Mutumbami, Natsai Mushangwe, Wellington Masakadza, Shingirai Masakadza, Brian Chari

Pitch & condition:
Sunny weather with a high of 31 degrees. Spinners will come into picture as the ball is expected start to keep low as the game progresses.

Stats & trivia

• This is the second time that Khulna will be hosting a Test. The first Test at this venue was against the West Indies in 2012 and in that match, Abul Hasan scored a century on debut batting at number 10.
• With two wins, Mushfiqur Rahim is the most successful captain for Bangladesh in Tests

Match facts
November 3-7, 2014
Start time 0930 local (0330 GMT)