‘It is a great opportunity for us’ – Mushfiqur Rahim optimistic about Bangladesh’s chances in 2021 T20 World Cup

Mushfiqur Rahim reckoned that Bangladesh have every chance of doing well in the upcoming edition of the T20 World Cup in the United Aram Emirates. The Tigers will be going into the multi-nation event on the back of series wins against Zimbabwe, Australia and New Zealand. The Bogra-born felt that the victories will keep his team in good stead going into the tournament.

Bangladesh have strained in the T20 format over the years and hence, failed to make a direct entry into the tournament. Mahmudullah and Co. need to play against Scotland, Oman and Papua New Guinea in the first round to have hopes of qualifying for the Super 12s. Mushfiqur said that the Tigers need to find some consistency to perform well in the World Cup.

I am eagerly waiting, says Mushfiqur Rahim

“Since we have won the last three series – two at home and one away, it gave us a huge boost ahead of the World Cup. It is not easy to do well in T20 consistently. That’s why I am eagerly waiting for such an exciting tournament.

“No matter how many times we played in the T20 World Cup, it is a great opportunity for us to have a very good consistent performance in the T20,” Mushfiqur said at an event, Cricbuzz reported.

Mushfiqur had a tough time with the bat in the series against the Kiwis. On the slow and low tracks at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, the 34-year-old managed to score only 39 runs at an average of 13 and a strike rate of 52.

However, the right-hander scored fifties while playing for Bangladesh A in both their games against the High-Performance Unit.

“No matter how much I practice individually or with the team, the real preparation does not come up unless you play a match. So, I was trying when I got a chance to play with a lot of quality players against the HP team. There was some pressure as well. So, I was looking for this opportunity,” he added.

Bangladesh don’t have a great record in T20 World Cups. In 25 matches, the Tigers have won five and lost 19 with one game producing no result.