BD keen to continue T20 momentum against Pakistan
BSS, Dhaka :
Bangladesh is determined to continue their winning momentum as they take on Pakistan in the three-match T20 International series at home.
The series opener will be held today at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. The match is scheduled to begin at 6:00 PM.
Bangladesh, often dubbed as a vulnerable side in the T20 format, gained momentum from their maiden series victory over Sri Lanka just a few days ago.
During the tour of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh lost the two-match Test series 1-0 and the three-match ODI series 2-1. They also lost the first T20I, but made a remarkable comeback by winning the next two matches to seal the series 2-1.
In those two games, Bangladesh played calculative and disciplined cricket, living up to expectations with their ‘Bangladesh brand’ of play. However, Pakistan represents a different challenge, being one of the teams against whom Bangladesh has historically struggled.
Pakistan is one of only two sides, along with India, against whom Bangladesh’s success rate in T20Is is significantly low despite having played over 10 matches. Bangladesh have played 22 T20Is against Pakistan, winning just three and losing 19. Against India, they have only one win in 17 encounters.
Recently, Pakistan whitewashed Ireland 3-0 in a T20 series in Lahore, showcasing dominance across all departments. The upcoming home series for Bangladesh is seen as a kind of revenge mission, especially as the team has shown signs of marked improvement in their traditionally weak batting department.
Bangladesh now boast two genuine power-hitters in openers Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Parvez Hossain Emon, who have impressed in recent series. However, the Pakistan series will be their real acid test against a strong bowling attack.
As expected, Bangladesh retained the same T20 squad that was announced for the Sri Lanka series, with no changes. The team is likely to go with the same playing XI that won the last two matches.
For Pakistan, the absence of all-rounder Shadab Khan may affect their team balance, but they still have experienced players like Khushdil Shah and Faheem Ashraf, both of whom are regulars in Bangladesh’s domestic cricket.
In fact, five Pakistani players in the current squad have recent local knowledge, having participated in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) in recent seasons. Khushdil has played 12 matches at Mirpur-the most among them-while Mohammad Haris, Faheem Ashraf, Abrar Ahmed, and Abbas Afridi have also featured in the league.