KHULNA ABU NASER STATDIUM: Bangladesh National Cricket Team captain Mashrafe bin Mortaza said the hosts are not taking visiting Zimbabwe as a weaker opponent.

‘Considering the importance of the series, we will give our best and uphold our potential. We are not willing to take the guest team lightly,’ he said at the formal press briefing in Khulna Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium on Thursday (January 14).

However, Bangladesh will take on Zimbabwe led by Chigumbura on Friday (January 15) in Khulna.

Expressing hope of wining the series, the tigers’ captain said, ‘Bangladesh will play to win the series, As Asia Cup and T-20 world cup are forthcoming, the series against the Zimbabwe will be very important’.

‘Some players have performed really well in the practice matches. It wouldn't be tough to win the series if the continuity is maintained,’ he added.

According to him, nobody is a weaker opposition in the T-20 format.

‘We have to take up this challenge. Moreover, everyone in the team is performing really well. We can win the series if we can continue this performance.’

About the venue in Khulna, Mashrafe said, ‘Khulna is the home ground for a lot of National Team players, who are used to play in this venue. It would be easier to them to play here’.

Prior to the press briefing, Team Bangladesh has been in the practice session for the forthcoming T-20 cricket series against Zimbabwe.

All four T-20 matches of Walton Cricket Series will be held at Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium in Khulna.

The second, third and fourth matches will be held on January 17, 20 and 22 respectively.

BDST: 1738 HRS, JAN 14, 2016
AIK/RS/RR