Bangladesh head coach Russell Domingo believes his side have the confidence of winning despite being underdogs in South Africa.
Bangladesh Test and one-day international teams are now touring the African nation for the first time since 2017.
In the month-long tour, tourists Bangladesh will play two Test matches and three ODIs against the hosts.
Bangladesh till date have had zero success in South Africa which they would like to change.
The series will begin Friday with the first match of three-ODI series at Centurion.
The second and third game will be played Sunday and Wednesday at Wanderers and Centurion respectively.
The series is part of the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League.
Domingo despite calling his team the underdogs cited confidence in the 50-over matches – Bangladesh’s favorite format of cricket.
Bangladesh since their arrival had practice session at Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.
From Wednesday the tourists started training at the venue for the first ODI.
“I don’t think so [we are favorites]. Not coming to South Africa. South Africa have just beaten India 3-0. We will definitely come as underdogs, having not won a game here before. But we’re confident in our one-day side and playing good one-day cricket for a long period of time,” said Domingo to the media Wednesday.
“The players understand their roles and what it takes, so we’re expecting a competitive series. South Africa will definitely start as favorites. They are in their home conditions and a tough side to beat in South Africa. They are favorites but it suits us to be underdogs, gives us an opportunity to do something special. We know we can beat any side on their way. We have a great opportunity to do what no Bangladeshi side has done before,” the former South Africa cricketer added.
Domingo is happy that ace all-rounder Shakib al Hasan would join the tour at the eleventh hour.
Shakib travelled to South Africa last Sunday following a series of drama with the Bangladesh Cricket Board after he had chosen to rest and cited mental and physical fatigue as the reasons.
BCB had approved Shakib’s leave not only from national duty but also from the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League.
Shakib later met BCB president Nazmul Hasan and took a sharp turn from his decision and decided to be part of the tour in South Africa.
It is understood that Shakib decided to not take the leave as it would lose him big money that is to come from Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited in the Dhaka Premier League.
“He [Shakib] balances our team. It’s always difficult when he is not there cause you’re not sure whether to pick an extra bowler or an extra batsman. It’s great to have players of that caliber and experience. Shakib has been here before. His energy, attitude and work ethic has been fantastic, so it is good to have him here,” said Domingo.
Bangladesh in South Africa are training in two parts.
The ODI team are preparing for the series under Domingo while the Test cricketers are undergoing a camp in Cape Town under the supervision of Bangladesh batting coach Jamie Siddons.
When queried who is to look into the technical side of the ODI batters given Jamie is away, Domingo returned with a sturdy reply.
“You don’t think I can help them [ODI batters]?” said Domingo to reporters.
“It’s not about the coach, players got to perform and they know their game. In international level, if you’re depending on a coach to make a massive change to your batting a day or two before the game, you’re in serious trouble,” the Bangladesh coach added.
