Tigers\\\' ODI series against Pakistan

The Tigers are going to face the visiting Pakistan cricket team in the first one-day international of the series at Sher-e-Bangla stadium in Mirpur on 17 April. It will be a tough test for Bangladesh as their recent performance in the World Cup has raised the level of expectation of the cricket-loving people of Bangladesh. Shakib Al Hasan has already claimed that the Tigers will be the favourites to win the series, which will put Bangladesh under pressure as the popular perception favours Pakistan as the winner.

Pakistan is accustomed to sub-continental pitches and so the Tigers are less likely to enjoy an extra advantage against the Pakistan team. Pakistan have many promising cricketers in the team and hence there is no room for complacency for Mashrafee and Co. The Bangladesh-Pakistan cricket series has already stolen the limelight and everyone is looking forward to seeing the Tigers performing their best against Pakistan. Our records against Pakistan are not very encouraging, necessitating a much improved performance from our side this time. The Tigers won only one and lost  31 matches against Pakistan. I hope the Tigers will improve their record this time as the matches will be played on our home soil. Wishing good luck for the Tigers and hope they will continue to keep up their recent performances.

Mohammed Sohel Hara

Bonoshree, Dhaka.

sohelhara@hotmail.com