Mahmudullah confident

Bangladesh vice-captain Mahmudullah hoped the national team could repeat a 4-0 series win over New Zealand and said that the last series win over the Kiwi would give the side confidence at the MA Aziz Stadium yesterday.   The all-rounder added that he is not worried about his performance and ready to give his all at the site of the three day practice match between BCB XI and New Zealand, the first day of which was called off due to rain.   “We are positive about the result but we have to play well. Last time we have played exceptionally well against them and that will boost our confidence. If we can achieve anything like 4-0, it will be great,” he said.   Mahmudullah was however, disappointed that the day’s play was washed out. “We have not played any longer version cricket for a long time. It was a good opportunity for us but unfortunately the first day was called off for rain, so we have nothing to do but we have practiced among us.”    Though he has not been out of form, the Mahmudullah was confident that he would be able to put his best foot forward in the series. “I don’t think I am in a bad form. My batting has not clicked in the last few Test matches, but I was batting well. If the practice match had taken place, it would have been great for me to get some match practice,” he said, adding that he would prefer to bat at the five or six position but was ready to play wherever the team needed him.   The 27 year old thought that one of Bangladesh’s biggest advantages was home wickets which would help the spinners and noted that the pace attack was also in good form.   “The wicket will favor the spinners and Shakib is back with Razzaq who is bowling well. Along with Sohag Gazi, he will be the main strength for us. All the pacers are in good form and Robiul had a good series last time. The batsman are also performing well and we are confident that if we give our best, we’ll do well.”    Mahmudullah was well aware of the ICC Test ranking, which had Bangladesh placed 9th, below Zimbabwe. “We are not thinking about the rankings but the Test format is something we would like to improve. We have played well in the last few Test matches but the results have not gone in our favour. Hopefully, this time will be different.    “They are an inexperienced side and we have discussed that. If we play to our potential, I think we can beat them,” said the vice-captain.