Shakib Al Hasan backs Bangladesh to keep going at T20 World Cup

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan believed that the team had formed a winning mentality after a series of consecutive victories over Zimbabwe, Australia and New Zealand ahead of the T20 World Cup.

The all-rounder feels that recent triumphs will give Bangladesh a good chance in the T20 World Cup, scheduled for later this year.

“I think we have a good chance in the T20 World Cup. We had good preparation. The big reason for this that we won out last three series,” Shakib told reporters on Sunday.

“When a team keeps winning, it carries a winning mentality, they give it the confidence of a different level,” he added.

The Bangladesh T20 side are on a roll, they defeated hosts Zimbabwe 2-1 in July, and followed that with a thumping 4-1 series win over Australia at home in August. Most recently, they defeated second-string New Zealand 3-2 in Dhaka.

The all-rounder suggests that the Indian Premier League (IPL) will be a big help for him as it will be played in the same conditions as the T20 World Cup.

“I am hopeful that the IPL will help everyone. We will be spending time in those conditions, playing matches too. Mustafizur and I can share the experience with the rest of the team,” said Shakib.

“We will understand the other players’ mindset, what they are thinking about the World Cup, and then report it back to our players.”

Bangladesh are in preliminary Group B with Scotland, Papua New Guinea and Oman for the tournament, which will take place in October and November.

“Our team will be in Oman at least 15-16 days before the World Cup, which is enough time for acclimatising with conditions and wickets,” said Shakib.