DHAKA: Shakib Al Hasan wants Bangladesh to forget their past record against Pakistan as they target a win in the ODI series that begins on Friday. He urged the side to go into the first ODI with a winning mentality, which he felt was missing in their previous games against Pakistan.

Bangladesh's win-loss record against Pakistan is the most lop-sided for them against any team in ODIs, with just one win in 32 games.

"I think our approach is fine," Shakib said. "We will definitely target a win. I don't know what anyone else is thinking. If we go into a game thinking we won't win because we have never won in the past, then we can never win. We have to change this way of thinking. Bangladesh cricket will be at a standstill if we think it won't happen, as it didn't happen in 16 years."

That one win came in the 1999 World Cup in a famous game in Northampton where Bangladesh - in their first World Cup - beat Pakistan by 62 runs. Pakistan coach Waqar Younis recalled that Bangladesh were better in that match.

The last three matches between the sides, all in Mirpur, have been close encounters with Pakistan winning all the games. Shakib remembers the two Asia Cup games in 2012, particularly the final which Bangladesh lost by two runs. It was a heart-breaking defeat that left several Bangladesh players in tears.

"It all started when Mushfiqur bhai started crying," Shakib said with a smile. "I remember the 2007-08 tour to Pakistan, also the 2012 Asia Cup matches. We could have won both games (in the Asia Cup). We also got very close in 2014, but we couldn't win. If luck is on our side and if we can give our best, then anything is possible."

Shakib praised Pakistan's pace attack but believed the Bangladesh batsmen can counter them. "There is no doubt about their world-class bowling attack. But we strongly believe that we also have world-class batsmen. It will be a good contest. Everyone is keen to give it their all," he said.

Source: ESPNcricinfo

BDST: 0110 HRS, APR 17, 2015
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