With both Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed sidelined due to injury, Phil Simmons, Bangladesh’s head coach, is encouraging the remaining bowlers to seize the opportunity during their T20I series against Pakistan, which kicks off on Wednesday.
Taskin has been nursing an ankle injury for the last couple of months, while Mustafizur sustained a thumb injury in his last IPL match for Delhi Capitals. “You miss your senior seamers,” Simmons noted during Bangladesh’s training session in Lahore. ’Fizz bowled splendidly in the IPL, and we’ll certainly feel his absence. Yet, it presents a chance for someone to step up in this series.’
Bangladesh’s selection panel has brought in Khaled Ahmed to fill Mustafizur’s spot. However, a replacement for Nahid Rana, who opted out of the tour for personal reasons, hasn’t been named. The squad now includes Tanzim Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, along with Mehidy Hasan Miraz stepping in for the injured Soumya Sarkar to strengthen the bowling line-up.
The team, though disappointed with their 2-1 defeat to the UAE, remains optimistic. “Losing to the UAE was tough,” Simmons admitted, “but setbacks can sometimes spur teams on. The spirits are high, and we hope to turn things around here in Lahore.”
Simmons also introduced the new fast-bowling coach, Shaun Tait, who joins for the Pakistan series. Tait, along with Bangladesh’s spin bowling coach, Mushtaq Ahmed, brings fresh insights, having both been involved in the recent Pakistan Super League. “Tait will be a great asset, not only for the bowlers but for the team. Along with Mushy’s experience from the PSL, we’ll make informed decisions,” Simmons remarked.
Despite the absence of their veteran pacers, Bangladesh banks on its fast bowlers to deliver promising performances. Their bowlers, including the more experienced Shoriful Islam, face the task of improving upon their recent struggles with the conditions in the UAE, especially handling the dew in Sharjah.
The series against Pakistan serves as a chance for Bangladesh’s bowlers to shine. The three matches will take place at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on May 28, May 30, and June 1.
