Twenty20 format has been one of Bangladesh’s weakest links but things are starting to change in recent times. The trend of improvement was clearly evident in their last Asia Cup Twenty20 clash against holders and World T20 champions Sri Lanka. The Tigers, who lost their four previous T20Is against the Lankans, exhibited a clinical performance to register their maiden win over the islanders.
Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha echoed the common sentiment yesterday ahead of their tie against Pakistan today. Hathurusingha informed that the Tigers have indeed improved in the shortest format and said preparation has been good heading into the Pakistan match.
“I mean we have done lately many things we have never done before. We have never beaten Sri Lanka before in T20 so we have done that. We are going to achieve what we have never achieved. So there’s always hope. Preparation is very good. I am very happy with the prep and the boys have done a lot of hard work leading up to the tournament so preparation is spot on,” Hathurusingha told the media in the sidelines of the Tigers’ training session at the academy ground of Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.
The 47-year old stated that the inclusion of opening batsman Tamim Iqbal will certainly boost the strength of the team but said Mustafizur Rahman’s absence will surely be felt by the side.
The former Sri Lanka cricketer added that Shakib al Hasan returning to form is a good sign for the side as they bid to battle it out for a place in the final.
“I think Shakib is doing really well, like the last game if you notice his partnership with Sabbir was key. And he took Shehan Jayasuriya’s wicket when they had a partnership going. He bowled cleverly and then took a brilliant catch to get [Angelo] Mathews out. So those are key match-turning moments for me. I think he is doing really well now,” he said.
Tigers captain Mashrafe bin Mortaza on the other hand said if they play their natural game against Pakistan then anything is possible.
“If I talk about the chances, I think we have a great opportunity. We are practising hard and moving forward and if we can do our things right, we have a bright chance,” said Mashrafe.
