Shakib emphasises on good start

Dhaka Dynamites are one of the strongest sides on paper in the fourth edition of the Bangladesh Premier League Twenty20 and will no doubt eye a winning start when they face holders Comilla Victorians on Saturday in Mirpur. Having won the first two editions, albeit under different ownership, the Dynamites ended a disappointing fourth last time around and will target a better finish in BPL 4. The capital city outfit have recruited the likes of Sri Lankan legends Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene while West Indians Dwayne Bravo, Evin Lewis and Andre Russell will undoubtedly bolster their line-up. The Dynamites seem to have bought extremely well, with England all-rounder Ravi Bopara and South Africa's Wayne Parnell completing their overseas players' list. Their local players aren't far behind either with ace Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib al Hasan, Nasir Hossain, Mosaddek Hossain, Mohammad Shahid, Mehedi Maruf, Sohrawardi Shuvo and Sanjamul Islam looking to guide their side to a place in the last four. And according to Shakib, their start to the money-spinning tournament will be very important. He said holding onto the momentum will also be key if they are to give a good account of themselves this year. “I hope it'll be fun. Looking for a better BPL. Personally and team-wise, I think we have a better side. It is important how we perform on the field. Start will be very important and if we can begin well and hold onto the momentum, it will be better for us,” Shakib told the media on Friday. Shakib informed that it'll be a sweet dilemma to select four overseas players in the starting XI as the Dyanmites have their fair share of star foreign players. “It’s a bit difficult. As per the quota, four overseas players are allowed to play in the XI. In my team, there are six-seven overseas players and we will not be able to play all of them in a game. We, the team management, captain and coach will take a decision about it as to what will be better for the team. As we are all professionals, I think they will take it sportingly,” he said. The star all-rounder said he has made it his personal goal to clinch the BPL 4 title. "My main target is to become champion. Our goal is to improve day by day, perform well as a team and spectators can enjoy the brand of cricket we will play this time,” he said. The players' payment issue reared its ugly head in the previous editions but Shakib expressed hope that it won't be a problem this time around. Meanwhile, the BPL 4 opener between the Victorians and Rajshahi Kings was called off on Friday due to persistent rain. When asked about their Saturday's opposition, Shakib informed that if his side play as a unit, there is a high possibility of getting a good result against the reigning champions.