The T20I series win against Afghanistan will boost Bangladesh’s morale when they face the same counterparts in the forthcoming Asia Cup and ICC World Cup, believes Shakib Al Hasan.
Although Bangladesh suffered a 2-1 series loss in three one-day internationals against the touring Afghans in the last week in Chattogram, they turned the tides in two T20Is against the same side by clinching the series by 2-0 in Sylhet.
‘Still, the majority of the players who featured in the T20Is are from the ODIs. They might carry the confidence into the World Cup,’ said Shakib in Sylhet.
Bangladesh, who are all set to vie in the approaching Asia Cup, which is due to be played in Sri Lanka, would encounter the Afghans in regional contention while they are scheduled to kick off their World Cup campaign against them at Dharamshala, India, on October 7.
‘Since we would take on them [Afghanistan] in the Asia Cup and also in the World Cup, it would be substantial enough for us if we could sustain the belief into the meets.’
With the two upcoming major competitions in mind, Bangladesh’s reappointed head coach Chandika Hathurusingha opted for a sizeable number of young guns like; Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Rony Talukdar, and Hasan Mahmud for white ball cricket who already showed their worth in the respective formats.
With the splitting of formats to ensure players' fitness in mind, the BCB was anticipated to form separate teams across the formats for a long time. However, the Tigers administration is still lagging in this connection.
Therefore, they have been seen to play the same players in the T20Is who are used to playing in the 50-over game.
'80–90 percent of T20 players will be featured in the ODIs. I would say it would provide them with huge confidence ahead of the Asia Cup.’
Shakib further expressed his utmost relief and ecstasy thanks to their gleaming performances in the T20Is that eventually rewarded them with a maiden series win over the star-studded Afghans, which includes the likes of star campaigners; Rashid Khan, Mujeeb-Ur-Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mohammad Nabi, and Hazratullah Zazai.
Before the recently concluded two T20Is against the visitors, Bangladesh played two T20I series against them.
In 2018, the Tigers were clean swept in three T20Is against them in India, while in 2022; they drew the series 1-1 at their backyard.
‘Definitely, I am feeling well. We hadn't had a good outing against Afghanistan before coming into the series. Since we could win it, sspecially under these conditions, I feel it would inspire us further to earn good results.’
‘Of course, it is a huge relief when our efforts turn instrumental.’
