Tigers to face Scotland first in T20 World Cup

Bangladesh cricket team will face Scotland in their first encounter of the ICC men’s T20 World Cup 2021 at the Al Amerat ground in Oman, revealed ICC.

In a digital show, hosted by two times T20 World Cup-winning captain of the West Indies Darren Sammy, Indian cricketer turned commentator Dinesh Karthik and former England cricketer Isa Guha, the ICC revealed the fixtures of the 16-team tournament, beginning on October 17.

On the opening day, hosts Oman will play against Papua New Guinea in the first match and in the second match, Bangladesh will play against Scotland. The match will start at 8:00 pm Bangladesh Standard Time.

Bangladesh will play against Oman at the same ground on October 19 and will wrap up their qualifying competition against Papua New Guinea on October 21.

The top two teams from each of the two qualifying groups will play in the main draw, which will start on October 23 fearing 12 teams. Sri Lanka, Ireland, the Netherlands and Namibia will play in the other qualifying group.

If Bangladesh can qualify from their respective group, they will join India, Pakistan, New Zealand, Afghanistan in Group-2 of the main draw as per the ICC rules.

In the media release, ICC stated that, if Sri Lanka and Bangladesh qualify from the first round, they will retain the seedings of A1 and B1 respectively for the Super 12s. 

Bangladesh T20 Captain Mahmudullah is hopeful about making it to the main stage but he is not undermining any opposition.

“In a tournament like the T20 World Cup, every match is equally important. Whoever you are playing, you have to be on the top from the first ball, you have to be in the right frame of mind and focus on the team processes so you can win every game,” Mahmudullah told ICC. 

Bangladesh is oozing confidence as they recently thrashed Australia by 4-1 in a five-match T20 series at home and also going to play another five-match series against New Zealand to gear up for the marquee event.

“It’s a very important tournament for all teams and especially for our team. We are playing a few series before the T20 World Cup and if we can do well, get a bit of confidence, try to win those series before the World Cup starts, it will be a big boost for our team,” said Mahmudullah.  

The Tigers’ T20I skipper spoke about his team and said their strength is the all-rounders and the bowling department.

“Our strength has been our all-rounders and our bowling department. Having said that, our batting is also very good and we have a good balance. We have five or six all-rounders, who can bat and bowl. Our fast bowlers are doing an incredible job at the moment. Our spinners are our strength as well. If they can put up their hand in a few matches, hopefully, we will have some good results,” the 35-year-old said.

Hosts Oman skipper, Zeeshan Maqsood, extended a warm welcome to the teams and expressed their desire to showcase their ability on the field.

“I extend a warm welcome to all teams who will be playing in our country in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to be turning out in a global ICC event on our home ground - to show the world what we are capable of as players and as a venue.

“In our group, we will be playing against Bangladesh, Scotland and Papua New Guinea. All these teams are very skilful, and we are looking forward to competing against them to the best of our ability. I’m sure there will be thrills aplenty in the much-awaited tournament,” he said.