Mashrafe not worried about Protea potentials

Sport Correspondent: Bangladesh are enjoying a wonderful season in international cricket. After a notable performance in ICC World Cup, the Tigers crushed Pakistan and won their first bilateral series against India. But the Tigers’ toughest challenge starts from tomorrow (Sunday) as they will face mighty South Africa in Dhaka in the opener of a two-match Twenty20 International series.

However, Bangladesh captain in limited overs Mashrafe Mortaza is not worried about the potentials of the visitors. While talking to journalists at a pre-match press conference at Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Saturday, Mashrafe said his team are more concerned about their own performance than the potentials of their rivals.

“We all know well about the strength of South Africa. Playing against them is always challenging as they are strong in every section.  But I think we must focus on our strength rather than theirs. We have played some wonderful series in last few months. We will try to retain that confidence,” the Bangladesh skipper said.

Bangladesh‘s only memorable moment against South Africa came in their victory in the 2007 World Cup. Since then, they have no victory against the Proteas. The Tigers played only two T20I matches against the Proteas in which they were defeated.

Even Bangladesh lost all 10 previous matches against South Africa at home, mostly miserably. But this Bangladesh team is far different than the earlier ones. It has been transformed under the leadership of Mashrafe.

The Tigers’ skipper gave importance on a good starting in the upcoming matches. “I think we have to do well at the beginning. If we can do that, then it will be easier for us,” Mashrafe added.

The first T20I match will start at 1:00 PM (Bangladesh time) at Mirpur.

The two teams will also play three ODIs and two Tests.

risingbd/DHAKA/July 4, 2015/Yeasin/Augustin Sujan