Utseya hopes for good show in Bangladesh

Zimbabwe face the tough challenge of proving they are still a force to reckon with in the five limited overs series against The Tigers who have inflicted a series of defeats on their fellow lightweights in recent years.

The Prosper Utseya-captained side has never won a series in Bangladesh, winning only 8 matches of the 19 ODIs they have played in the Asian country.

It is the first time the two teams meet after the return of seasoned cricketers such as former skipper Heath Streak and Alistair Campbell.

Their return to the technical department has raised hopes that the underachieving Zimbabweans can finally turn the tables not only against Bangladesh this week but also on the international scene in general.

Speaking to the press after arriving in Bangladesh last week, Utseya was optimistic of winning the series for the first time in Bangladesh although he reckoned his team starts the series as underdogs.

There are a few new faces and some of the players have shown good form recently. We will give it our best and try to put pressure on Bangladesh, he said.

We have done pretty well against Kenya at home before coming here and hope to carry the momentum into the matches against Bangladesh.

Zimbabwean batsmen have over the years struggled against The Tigers spinners on the crease, as the top order crumbled.

But Utseya believes his teammates will fare well in the five matches.

We have played against the Bangladesh spinners many times and we have worked on them a bit. Pitches here will suit them, but we have better experience of the conditions now, Utseya said.

I also think that the presence of someone like Streak in the coaching staff will be highly beneficial for our bowlers.

Zimbabwe will face their hosts in four other ODI matches on Thursday, Saturday, November 3 and November 5.