Bangladesh National Cricket Team vice captain Shakib Al Hasan, who will meet the captain's role in the first match in place of regular ODI captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, hoped to win the three-match ODI series against Pakistan that kicks off today (Friday) at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in the city, reports UNB.
"Of course we are hopeful, our target is to win the series, I think we've the ability to beat Pakistan as the team in good mood overall," Shakib said at the pre-match press conference at BCB media centre Thursday.
"This is the best chance for Bangladesh to beat Pakistan and to win the series," the stand-in Captain noted.
"I'm confident with the team's recent performance in the World Cup where our young players played up to the mark, we need consistency and have to play the best cricket in batting, bowling and fielding," he said.
Replying to query, the world's best all rounder said, "Yes, Pakistan is also good team, they have world class bowlers and we've players to face them, I hope the team that will play for Bangladesh in the field today will be the best team."
"The selectors will form the best squad," he added.
Shakib said he is happy with the pitch conditions and emphasised stable opening in the match saying, "The important thing is playing well in the beginning on the match day."
Though we were abroad for the last three months, it will not be a problem to cope up with the condition as "home is always home".
On the other hand, Pakistani new ODI captain Azhar Ali praised Bangladesh's recent improvement. "Bangladesh improved a lot in the last few months. They are performing very well as a team."
Azhar Ali is not worried with his young side saying that, "Definitely it's very challenging with a young side, simultaneously an opportunity for them as well as mine as captain, our young players have almost the same calibre like experienced players, hope they will show their best in the field." Pakistan team coach Waqar Younis echoed the same, saying that "No doubt Bangladesh improved a lot recently, enriched with their experience. Our young players are too much talented."
Regarding Bangladesh's target, to win the series, the coach said, "We didn't mind, their confidence is fare enough, we are in a transition point with young players and they are favourite in ODI with experience."
