Mashrafe Mortaza reckons that Pakistan is better than Bangladesh

Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza has said that Pakistan is still the better side ahead of their encounter in the World T20 on the 16th of March at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Bangladesh overwhelmed Pakistan in the recently concluded Asia Cup T20.

“I think Pakistan have more experience than us but in the last two months in this format, we have proven that we are good. We have had good practice and then we had a great Asia Cup too. We had better plans and all in the last few games but if you see history, Pakistan is better,” Mortaza told reporters here ahead of Wednesday’s clash.

Speaking on superstar Tamim Iqbal, Mashrafe Mortaza sounded confident. He also said that the flatter wickets would play in the favor of the dashing Bangladeshi opener.

Also read: Pak v Ban World T20 Preview: Asian giants begin thier campaign against the in-form Tigers

“Tamim’s is in good touch. Not only Tamim all batsmen will be fired up especially since it is T20. The wickets here are different than what they were in Bangladesh. Here they are a lot flatter and so obviously the likes of Tamim can attack,” he said.

Three Bangladeshi bowlers – Taskin Ahmed, Arafat Sunny, and Al-Amin Hossain have been tested for suspect action. Mortaza also gave an update on their availability for the match.

“Sunny has been tested already. Taskin also has been tested in the morning. He will be here in the evening by 6 o’ clock. But if they will play or not we are still unsure. Depends on the wickets and conditions and the opposition as well,” Mortaza said at the pre-match media conference for Wednesday’s game against Pakistan.

“We can’t say he will be available or not. We still have 24 hours. The coaches and physios will decide and take the call tomorrow,” Mortaza said. “Shakib is really important for us. Last 7-8 years, he has consistently performed for us and he knows this ground well, so he will be of great help,” he said.