Past wins make Mehidy optimistic  

Bangladesh off-spinner Mehidy Hasan is optimistic about making a positive start against Afghanistan when both sides meet on Tuesday at Sharjah.

 Afghanistan thrashed Sri Lanka in their opening game and look deadly at this moment, but Miraz feels that things might not be the same for the Afghans, “In T20, momentum changes in every single over. One over can change the color of the game. We have prepared ourselves well, we watched the match (Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka) together, our team bonding is great and preparations are better. We are hopeful that we can bring out something positive”, the off-spinner said in a press conference after the practice session in ICC Academy, Dubai.

Sri Lanka were all-out for just 105 runs against Afghanistan which sent a message to Bangladesh about their strength. Mehidy said that Bangladesh batsmen trained well to tackle the Afghan bowlers,

“As a bowling side, they (Afghanistan) are very good but our batsmen are also good. I think in our last few days of training we have prepared ourselves accordingly. We played some bowlers who bowl like the Afghan bowlers. Everyone has a clear mind about how to handle them. We have trained enough, now it’s time for execution”, he told the media in Dubai.

Mehidy also feels that the performance in the first match of the Asia Cup will set the tone for Bangladesh,

“First match of any tournament is very important. This match (against Afghanistan) will tell how far we will go and what type of cricket we will play. Afghanistan won yesterday (Saturday), that was important for them and now it’s important for us how we play our first match. Now we have to set our tone”, said the off-spinner.

Shakib Al Hasan took charge of the T20I team from this tournament and Mehidy said that the new captain has sent a clear message to every cricketer of the team,

“Shakib bhai talked to us individually. From openers to the tailenders, he explained to everyone about their individual roles. Everyone is clear about their role. Our openers know how Afghanistan’s new ball pacers bowl and they are ready to face incoming deliveries. Everyone is clear about their job”, said Mehidy.

Bangladesh won the One Day International series against Afghanistan at home, and also settled the T20I series 1-1. Mehidy draws inspiration from those wins before facing them on Tuesday,

“We have played against Afghanistan, played well, and won. We have won the ODI series. In the T20I series, they won one and we won one too. It’s not like we are far behind. They have a good bowling attack but our batsmen are also very experienced. Batting is crucial here, the side that bats well will get an advantage”, said Mehidy on Sunday.