Bangladesh's pace unit has been their strength in recent times. From historic first-ever Test victory over hosts New Zealand in 2022 to whitewashing Pakistan in a two-Test series on Pakistan soil last year, pacers have delivered the goods for the Tigers in the longest format for a while now.

And, it is no wonder that Bangladesh will once again hope that pacers Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Khaled Ahmed, and uncapped Tanzim Sakib step up against Zimbabwe in the upcoming two-Test series, especially since the series is set to be played in Sylhet and Chattogram -- venues that favour fast bowlers.

However, Zimbabwe veteran Sean Williams thinks their pace trio of Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, and Victor Nyauchi will be able to match the level of the Tigers' quicks.

"I think it will be a like-for-like contest when it comes to the pacers," Williams told The Daily Star yesterday.

Zimbabwe, who had their first training session at Sylhet Outer Stadium yesterday after arriving in Bangladesh on Tuesday, haven't enjoyed much success in red-ball cricket in recent years. Since their 10-wicket win over Afghanistan in March 2021, the African side have failed to win any of their last 10 Tests, losing eight and drawing two.

The team is currently undergoing a transitional phase, with most players being relatively new to the set-up. Only captain Craig Ervine (23 Tests), Williams (17), and Muzarabani (10) possess experience of 10 or more Tests in the current squad.

However, with some exciting players like Ben Curran, Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, and Ngarava, Zimbabwe hope to play more fearless cricket.

"Yes, it's a young side. Hopefully, they will be a little bit more fearless and clever," said Williams, who returns to the team after missing the one-off Test against Ireland in February due to a back injury.

"Test cricket -- and cricket in general -- is evolving. Players are scoring faster, trying new things, and exploring different dynamics. Tactically, a lot is happening in Test cricket right now. So, it'll be exciting to see what the youngsters can do," added the 38-year-old veteran.

Williams also emphasised the importance of starting the series well, expressing optimism about reversing their fortunes against Bangladesh.

Zimbabwe last won a Test series against Bangladesh in 2011, and their most recent Test victory over the Tigers came in 2018.

Interestingly, that win -- by a margin of 151 runs -- was also in Sylhet, where the upcoming Test series will begin on Sunday.

"I think it depends on how the first innings goes," Williams noted.

"Yes, of course. We always play to win. Preparation ahead of these two Tests is crucial," he added.

Zimbabwe may also benefit from the insights of their pace-bowling coach Charl Langeveldt, who briefly served as Bangladesh's bowling coach in 2019.