Tigers upbeat about beating Pakistan to move to 2nd round

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Upbeat about beating defending champions and group opponent Pakistan in the ICC World Twenty20, a-15 member Bangladesh squad leaves here for West Indies Saturday night, reports UNB.
The 3rd version of the ICC World Twenty20 will begin on April 30.
Prior to its departure, the entire Bangladesh team was found optimistic about winning their opening match against Pakistan to make their way into the second round of the ICC World Cup Twenty20.
Addressing a pre-departure press conference at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium Friday, skipper Shakib Al Hasan said that they would focus on winning the first group match against Pakistan.
He also said that they had been passing good time over the last six months and their preparation for the World Cup was satisfactory.
"Besides, the boys got enough opportunity to overcome their mistakes in the just concluded domestic National Cricket League T20 ahead of the World Cup tourney."
The presence of speedster Mashrafe Bin Mortaza in the team after a long time would boost the morale of the boys, Shakib told a questioner.
Vice-captain Mushfiqur Rahim said he was out of touch with cricket for the last few days, but said, "I hope to be accustomed quickly with the local condition as we'll play two warm-up matches there (West Indies) before the World Cup."
Mohammad Ashraful, who showed poor performance in the just concluded NCL T20, told a questioner that the opponents will be very strong in the World T20, but he hopes to play good cricket although the matches would be held in different condition.
Behind their chance of going into the 2nd round in World Cup, pacer Mashrafe said they would play pressure-free cricket while both Pakistan and Australia would be under pressure for getting to the next round.
Spinner Abdur Razaak said his personal target is to keep his economy rate under six in the World Cup.
He said: "Our first target would be at least a win against Pakistan."
Injured Tamim Iqbal, who received hand injury, said he has a bright possibility to play in the 1st match as he feels quite better now and his wound is showing gradual improvement.
Imrul Kayes, the most valuable player of the just concluded NCL, was also quite hopeful about doing something good in the World Cup.
Dashing opener Aftab Ahmed admitted that he failed to show good performance after a comeback to the national team. "But I hope to present good cricket to the nation in the World Cup," he said.
All-rounder Mahmud- ullah Riad said their target is to reach the second round after beating Pakistan. "We are very confident to achieve our target in the World Cup."
Suhrawardy Shuvo, who will, for the first time, represent Bangladesh in the Twenty20 World Cup, said his personal target is to play good cricket and he is determined to give the best.
Pacer Rubel Hossain, who usually bats in lower order, said he would try to show good batting in the World Cup.
Bangladesh squad: Shakib Al Hasan (captain), Mushfiqur Rahim (vice-captain/wk), Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Mohammad Ashraful, Aftab Ahmed, Mahmudullah, Naeem Islam, Mashrafe Mortaza, Abdur Razzak, Shafiul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Syed Rasel, Suhrawardi Shuvo, Jahurul Islam (wk).