Bangladesh is optimistic that their T20I series against the hosts will be better prepared than their inaugural ODI victory in New Zealand. After 18 consecutive losses in ODIs, Bangladesh overcame their curse in New Zealand, but in T20I cricket, they have an even more dismal record, having lost all nine matches in this region thus far.
“We haven’t won a T20 game over here. This was the same as one-day cricket but then we managed to win the last game,” Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha told reporters ahead of the first game in Napier.
“Certainly, it will help (ODI win over New Zealand at Napier) mentally when you have a good win always you feel good and because you have done something you want to repeat again no matter what the format is and that will give us confidence leading into the T20Is,” he said.
Bangladesh will also be aiming to maintain their unbeaten streak in the shortest format, having won all three Twenty20 International series they have played thus far in 2023, all three of which were contested at home against England, Ireland, and Afghanistan. Tourists will consider a victory in the upcoming Twenty20 International series in New Zealand as the final flourishing element in their preparations for the T20 World Cup.
Prior to the championship event, which will feature three matches against New Zealand, Bangladesh will compete in eleven Twenty20 Internationals. Additionally, they have the honor of hosting Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. In addition, the athletes will participate in the Bangladesh Premier League. “The condition dictates in advance.” “Many of the strategies we intend to execute concurrently have the Twenty20 World Cup in mind; therefore, we are striving to perfect our preparations for that,” Hathurusingha explained.
“We got 11 games now and then the BPL as well but this is a national team so we are trying to get our combination and give the players kind of roles that they will play during the World Cup and so that’s the plan,” said Hathurusingha adding that they are not losing their sleep over lack of games ahead of the tournament
“I said 11 matches from now to the World Cup and that’s what we got in terms of matches. Whether it’s ideal or not that’s all we got we have to get our plans and roles right within that period,” he added.
Hathurusingha also lauded Soumya Sarkar for his performance in the third game, during which he took three wickets and scored a century in the second match. “Very happy with the way he (Soumya) performed and I always knew that he is capable of playing,” according to the coach. “He previously demonstrated during my presence, and we all agree that the class is permanent.” Among the many things that form influences is what passes through your mind. Every participant achieves their utmost potential to the extent that they are certain of their responsibilities, comprehend the environment, and have clarity regarding their role. He is mentally sound, and there is no impediment to his participation in the Twenty20 World Cup.
“The second ODI was like a make-or-break moment for him. What we did we trusted him and gave him confidence and whole team trusted him. That’s what I think he drove strength from,” he concluded.
