The series against Pakistan comes after an unexpected loss to the United Arab Emirates. The Bangladesh national team was supposed to be a little behind mentally. However, national team coach Phil Simmons says this is the time to give their best cricket. Although he was respectful of the opponent, there was a tone of confidence in the voice of the Caribbean coach.
Phil Simmons said at a press conference on Monday, “I don’t know if this is the best time to beat Pakistan in T20Is. This is the best time to play our best cricket. We are here to win the series. Pakistan are a dangerous team at any time. They cannot be taken lightly. They can play well on any day.” Simmons also said, “You keep saying Pakistan is not doing well. But Pakistan is Pakistan. The series loss in the UAE was very disappointing. But we are mentally strong. Morale is pretty good. I think we have a great chance to win the series. We keep saying Pakistan is not playing well lately. But it is a matter of a certain day. But I think this is a good chance to win the series.”
Simmons said about Rishad’s experience, “Yes, PSL experience can help. We are trying to utilize the conditions here. A few people have played PSL here, Shaun (Tait), Mushira (Mushtaq Ahmed) were in PSL. We can take information, experience from them and make decisions.”
Simmons has visited Pakistan before as a player or coach. Reminiscing about his time in Pakistan after the military tensions with India, he said, “All my memories in Pakistan are happy. I loved playing in Pakistan. I had the freedom to move around outside then. I enjoyed it a lot in Karachi last year. I was looking forward to coming back.”