DHAKA: Bangladesh skipper Masrafe Mortaza Friday said bowlers are vital important in the T20 match because they will win the matches for you.

'We need more practice in this format', he further said. 'we have always focused more on One-day cricket and the longer versions even at domestic levels, and I think since we are doing really well in the ODI format, we could start focusing seriously on how to improve in the T20 format as well, since the next T20 World Cup comes in a year's time. We have a very good side, the boys are really confident. But in a few aspects we lack the depth in what is required for this format.'

He made the remarks while talking to the media at the conference hall at Shere-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

Having played their last T20 more than a year back in the T20 World Cup at home, the Bangladesh skipper clearly asked for the need to play more in this format.

When asked about who the stars could be for Bangladesh in the upcoming match, he said, 'There is Sabbir, who can hit the ball hard, and there is Taskin with the ball. Rubel is rested for the Tests, so we will miss his services. Our top order has clicked in the recent matches, and all of them like to play their shots. Shakib is expected to do really well since he has played in this format most regularly.'

'T20 matches require instinctive decisions, and sometimes experience matters little. According to me, in this format defense is the best offense, and bowlers are so important because they will win the matches for you. The top four batsmen all around the world are usually the main men, and if they do well, the team has a greater chance of winning. We have to start particularly well in the match. It is more required for T20s. If we get a good start, we surely have a chance.'

Masrafe had words of respect for his counterparts. He said, 'We know how dangerous Afridi and Shehzad could be in this format. Infact, I agree to my counterpart's statement that they are a better T20 side than an ODI side. We will have some plans for those who have arrived in their team.'

Speaking about the new-comers Liton Das and Mustafizur Rahman, Masrafe said, 'They are all good talents, and they deserve a call-up on basis of their performance. But like it or not, any youngster coming into the international arena feels the pressure of the 'all-eyes on him' situation. But I'm sure, if and when given the chance, they will be able to produce the goods.'

'We have done well playing 3 fast bowlers since the Zimbabwe series, and we wish to continue with that. Fast bowlers should get some priority in the line-up, or else good fast bowlers will not come up the ranks', said Masrafe when asked about team composition for the match.

Source: tigercricket.com.bd

BDST: 1951 HRS, APR 23, 2015
RS/SMS