Ban seek team effort, Zim confident ahead of Ctg Test

As Bangladesh gear up for the second Test against Zimbabwe starting Monday in Chattogram, the focus remains on the collective responsibility of the team rather than individual performances that often fail to win the match.

Wicketkeeper-batter Jaker Ali said that the burden should not fall on just one player like Mushfiqur Rahim. Mushfiqur has recently come under tremendous pressure for his poor performances, and Jaker came to his defence.

“Mushfiq bhai is not playing alone. Everyone has to take responsibility and contribute. It’s unfair to expect him to deliver every time,” Jaker told reporters on Saturday in Chattogram.

Jaker said that the entire batting unit must step up, recalling how lower-order resistance, including Hasan Mahmud’s 58-ball 12 in Sylhet, helped Bangladesh fight despite the defeat.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe opener Ben Curran, one of the main players who contributed to the team's win in Sylhet, is keeping an eye on family matters even while preparing for the second Test.

Curran’s brothers, Tom and Sam, are busy with franchise leagues — Tom in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and Sam in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Both his brothers represent England in international cricket.

“I try to follow their matches whenever possible. We talk regularly, especially on match days. We are a very close family,” Ben said on Saturday in Chattogram.

Ben Curran, who chose to represent Zimbabwe like his father Kevin Curran, played a vital role in the 2nd innings of the first Test, scoring 44 in a tight chase of 174.

While Bangladesh aim for a spin-heavy strategy to bounce back, Zimbabwe seem quietly confident after the win in the first match.

The second and final Test will be played in Chattogram from April 28th, reports UNB.