Dhaka: Mushfiqur Rahim, the Bangladesh wicket-keeper batsman, has
played down his team's chances in the bilateral Twenty20 International series against
Afghanistan in India in early June.
Afghanistan's growing reputation as a T20 force, their two young spinners Rashid
Khan and Mujeeb ur Rahman, and playing in an unknown stadium in Dehradun would
be the big challenges for Bangladesh, Rahim felt, a ICC report on Saturday said.
"Afghanistan are a dangerous team in T20s. A lot of things are in their favour in this
series, particularly the home advantage," Rahim told mediapersons. "They have a number of world-class bowlers who are doing well in the IPL. Rashid Khan is a world-class bowler. He hasn't conceded more than 6 or 7 an over in all but one IPL game this season.
"Apart from Rashid Khan, Mujeeb bowls with the new ball," he pointed out. "They
(Afghanistan) are also a good side in ODIs and they have qualified for the World Cup.
So everything will be in their favour." Besides, he added, "We have virtually no idea about the pitches there. But we hope to quickly adjust through the practice match."
Yet, the side's march to the final of the Nidahas Trophy tri-series, where they took on
India, at the expense of hosts Sri Lanka, would give the team confidence in the 20-over
format.
"We have some capable players. If they click, this will be a good series," he said. "We
have to take confidence from the previous series in Sri Lanka. We beat Sri Lanka in their
home venue and also did quite well against India."The teams are scheduled to play three T20Is at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Dehradun, on June 3, 5 and 7. Bangladesh will play a practice match on June 1 before that. (UNI)
