Tigers seek good start to T20 series against Windies

Leaving aside their ODI disappointments, Bangladesh want to start afresh when they will take on West Indies in the three-match T20 International series opening match at Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown, St Vincent today (Monday), report agencies.

The match will start at 06.00 am (Bangladesh Time).

Fast bowler Nahid Rana has been included in Bangladesh's T20I squad for the upcoming three-match series against the West Indies, set to take place on December 16, 18, and 20 at Arnos Vale Ground in St. Vincent.

The 22-year-old pacer, yet to make his T20I debut, joins the team as Bangladesh seeks to strengthen its pace attack following a disappointing ODI series.

The T20I series represents an opportunity for Bangladesh to bounce back after a tough start to their Caribbean tour.

They managed a 1-1 draw in the two-match Test series but were whitewashed 3-0 in the ODIs. Bangladesh captain Liton Das, who is stepping in for the absent Nazmul Hossain, acknowledged the challenge ahead.

"T20Is have always been tough for us, especially on the West Indies' home ground. It will be difficult, but we are focused on our preparation," Liton said.

Bangladesh's last outing at Arnos Vale during the ICC T20 World Cup Super Eight stage in June ended on a high note, as they defeated Afghanistan. They also faced Nepal and the Netherlands in the first round at the same venue. However, West Indies have not played at this ground since 2013, making it a fresh challenge for the hosts. Historically, Bangladesh has struggled in T20Is against the West Indies, losing nine of their 16 encounters, including four of the eight matches played in the Caribbean. Despite this, Litton remains hopeful of a strong performance.

"Our preparation has been good. Most of our players have been active in Tests and ODIs. While a few are new, they've had sufficient practice," he added.

The venue Arnos Vale is reputed as happy hunting ground for Bangladesh since they secured wins over Nepal and the Netherlands here during this year's T20 World Cup. However, despite West Indies' absolute dominance in this format, Bangladesh didn't fare that badly against them. Of the 16 meetings between the two sides, Bangladesh won five and lost nine while two ended with no-result.

But the last five encounters between the two sides saw West Indies won four and one was washed out.

Bangladesh's practice for the first T20 has been disrupted by rain but Liton expected that it won't affect their game.

Squad: Bangladesh T20I: Liton Das (Captain), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali Anik, Shamim Hossain Patwari, Sheikh Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Hasan Mahmud, Ripon Mondol, Nahid Rana.

West Indies : Rovman Powell (c), Brandon King (vc), Keacy Carty, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Terrance Hinds, Akeal Hosein (first two matches only), Jayden Seales (third match only), Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Obed McCoy, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Romario Shepherd and Shamar Springer.