Bangladesh aim to create own ‘brand’ in T20s: Mahmudullah

COLOMBO Bangladesh skipper Mahmudullah said Tuesday the underdogs, fresh from upsetting Sri Lanka, plan to hone their ‘brand’ of Twenty20 cricket against India in a key tri-series showdown.

The visitors staged a 215-run chase to defeat hosts Sri Lanka in their second match of the tournament, rebounding from a loss in their opener against India.

Bangladesh, 10th in the world T20 rankings behind Afghanistan, will be in strong contention for the tri-series final if they beat table-toppers India on Wednesday.

Mahmudullah, who was named captain after Shakib Al Hasan was ruled out of the tri-series due to injury, said the minnows entered the series wanting “to create a Bangladesh brand of cricket”.

“I think the skills are there. We need to be smart to take that calculated risk,” he told reporters in Colombo, saying his side had to compensate for its lack of power hitters. “Taking on a particular bowler who we think can be targeted, these sort of things we need to apply when we are playing. These things will give us that Bangladesh brand of T20 cricket.”

Mahmudullah backed his paceman to come good in the remaining matches in conditions he believes are tough for bowlers. “I think he is a great bowler for our team, he has been doing really well. It’s just the wicket that suits the batsman most.”—