National vice-captain Mahmudullah is optimistic about their chances in the forthcoming ICC World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka as he thinks the Pallekele International ground, where Bangladesh is scheduled to play their group phase matches, will suit their team.
Bangladesh will take on Pakistan and New Zealand respectively at the same ground where Mahmudullah and some of his national team-mates had a firsthand experience by the virtue of their participation in the ongoing Sri Lankan Premier League.
Mushfiqur Rahim cracked an unbeaten match-winning 54 while Tamim Iqbal made 0, 18 and 32 in three innings respectively at Pallekele and Mahmudullah thinks that this experience will come in very handy for the team.
‘Hopefully we will be able to put up a good show at Pallekele,’ Mahmudullah told reporters on Monday after he returned from SLPL and resumed training in the national camp.
‘There is a bit of grip for the spinners while there is also a bit of cut for the pace bowlers and there you can also swing the ball which is good for us.
‘I think the Pallekele wicket where I have played it suited both pacers and spinners while it was a bit difficult to bat on. On that wicket a batsman needed to take time,’ said Mahmudullah, who scored 13 and also picked up a wicket there in his SLPL debut game.
The Bangladeshis in the SLPL shared their experience of the ground and wicket when they met in Colombo and expect to do the same with the team members here.
‘When we were reunited in Colombo we talked about the wicket and I would like to share it with my team-mates as well. Mushfiq is expected to join us very soon and together we will share how the pitch is going to look and behave,’ said Mahmudullah.
The all-rounder was, however, not totally satisfied with his performance in the tournament and believed that he could have done much better with the bat. Despite having to spend the Eid festival away from his family, Mahmudullah was satisfied with the experience of SLPL.
Mahmudullah picked up four wickets and scored 26 runs in the two matches that he played for Basnahira Cricket Dundee.
‘Bowling-wise I am happy and I feel that it was quite good, but I am disappointed with my batting as I could have done much better.
‘Though I was sad for missing the first Eid with my baby, but then again it’s my profession that gives me my bread and butter. It was a good experience and I got a good view of the condition ahead of the T20 World Cup,’ he added.
The vice-captain was also satisfied with the way they are getting prepared for the mega event.
‘Most of the players like Tamim, Mushfiq, Ashraful and me are all involved in playing matches. We have a tour to Trinidad and Tobago which will also help a lot.
‘The more matches we play, the more it will help build the momentum towards the World Cup. We will also play warm-up matches in Sri Lanka and hopefully we will have enough preparation,’ said Mahmudullah.
-With New Age input
