Bangladesh ODI team has been high on confidence ever since they made it to the World Cup quarter finals and then defeated Pakistan 0-3 in the ODI series at home. Now their captain, Mashrafe Mortaza wants the team to carry that high morale into the three-match series against India.
"It's always a big challenge to play against India,” Mortaza said on the eve of the first ODI, in Mirpur. “We have young players who are at their best and can surprise India in ODIs.
"We are thinking about tomorrow's game and not too far. We aren't taking pressure. We are moving step by step. Winning the first match is very important for us,” he said of the team’s mindset going into the series.
Even as Bangladesh have attracted praise from all quarters for their recent resurgence in the limited overs game, Mortaza acknowledges that fact that India will start out as favourites.
"Things have changed for Bangladesh cricket. But India are definitely the favourites. It's very important for Bangladesh to perform against the top teams to establish themselves,” he said.
Mortaza hopes the recent rise is the beginning of something special and not just a flash in the pan. "We expect to take Bangladesh cricket forward. We have to take chances against India,” he said. “World Cup performance has given us confidence. We have the bowling attack to unsettle any opposition. Since the World Cup, we are playing good cricket.
“The boys are very confident. Hope we will perform the way we are. Series win against Pakistan was a major boost. We are the fastest improving ODI side in the world right now. Bangladesh are definitely among the best in the world in ODIs."
The Bangladesh ODI captain also sounded optimistic about his own fitness after suffering a freak accident. "I'm feeling much better. I have bowled and batted yesterday. I am hoping to take the field tomorrow [Thursday].
