Bangladesh all-rounder Mosaddek Hossain believes that his team will be favourites against Sri Lanka, when the two clash in a three-match ODI series that starts on 26 July.
Bangladesh have never won an ODI series on Sri Lankan soil, but after their impressive performance at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019, would certainly back themselves to come good.
"I think we are favourites against Sri Lanka," Mosaddek said on Thursday, 18 July. "We are in a better position than them in both batting and bowling, and if you talk about experience, then we are in a better position in that area too."
Bangladesh have recalled wicket-keeper batsman Anamul Haque and left-arm spinner Taijul Islam in their 14-member squad for ODI series against Sri Lanka, beginning on 26 July.https://t.co/NqZERWrhHm
— ICC (@ICC) July 17, 2019
The 23-year-old had scored a 24-ball 52*, powering Bangladesh to a five-wicket win in the rain-shortened tri-series final against West Indies in Dublin earlier this year. He then made some useful contributions in the limited opportunities he got with the bat in the recently-concluded World Cup, but failed to make an impact with the ball, barring his 2/33 against New Zealand at The Oval.
Mosaddek believed that the absence of star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who has been granted leave for the series, along with the fact that Mahmudullah has not been bowling in recent times due to shoulder injury, presents him the opportunity to cement his place in the side as an all-rounder.
I am focusing on every bit of opportunity that I will get. I am not thinking anything besides that.
"Since I debuted in ODIs, I have had to bowl almost in every match. Even when Riyad [Mahmudullah] bhai was regular in bowling, I had to bowl five-six overs in every match. I always consider myself to be a batting all-rounder. I'm getting more chance as a bowler and I will be ahead more as an all-rounder.
"Shakib bhai won't be with us in the Sri Lanka series. That's why more opportunities may come in the bowling department. I may have to come in bowling early. Or I may have to bowl more overs than usual. Of course, I am prepared for that opportunity if I have to bowl more overs. I have a plan regarding that. I am focusing on every bit of opportunity that I will get. I am not thinking anything besides that."
"To be honest, I am in the last phase, so I don't have any time to relax. After playing cricket for 10-15 years now, it is high time to take my game to the next level."https://t.co/mbeYbfp4iE
— ICC (@ICC) July 18, 2019
Mosaddek, who had stitched together a vital 66-run stand with Mahmudullah to take his team to 330/6 in their World Cup opener against South Africa, now wants to establish himself as a strong finisher at the No.7 position.
"I think I will have to bat in the Sri Lanka series at the same position where I batted throughout the World Cup and series before that because of team combination. I think I am set in that position.
"Before the World Cup, I was totally focusing on improving my strike-rate. So, when I will go on to bat, I may face the same type of situation. If the situation is bad, then I have to bat well and propel my team forward. So I am working on that."
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