Dhaka – After a flying start in the three-match T20I series against India, Bangladesh are now in Rajkot gearing up for the second match which is scheduled for November 7.
The Mahmudullah Riyad-led Bangladesh team reached Rajkot on Monday and they conducted a practices session on Tuesday.
The win in the first game has boosted the morale of the Tigers who were going through a traumatic time due to the suspension of Shakib Al Hasan. The star all-rounder failed to report corrupt approaches and was banned for two years, with a year of that suspended.
Before heading to this series, Bangladesh played eight T20Is against India but failed to win any of them. It had also been unlikely for the Tigers to register a win in this series as they are missing the service of two of their key players- Tamim Iqbal and Shakib. At the same time, they are also missing Mohammad Saifuddin who has been impressive in the shorter format of the game.
However, the mindset of the Tigers has completely changed by the win in the first match. Mushfiqur Rahim, the hero of the Delhi win, said they are thinking nothing but a series win in India now.
“Before coming to India, I had told the media that a couple of win in India could change the situation for us,” Mushfiqur told the media after winning the first game for Bangladesh hitting an unbeaten fifty.
“The last 2-3 weeks were the toughest time in my 15-year career. The only thing that could bring Bangladesh cricket on the right track is to win against India,” he had added.
After the T20I series, both teams will lock horns in a two-match Test series. The first Test will be played from November 14 at Indore while the second and the last one will be hosted by Kolkata. The second Test is set to be a day-night affair. Neither Bangladesh nor India have played such Test before.UNB
