Bangladesh all-rounder Mosaddek Hossain believes winning the upcoming ODI tri-nation series against Afghanistan and Zimbabwe can give the Tigers a major confidence boost ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Bangladesh will begin their campaign against Zimbabwe in Abu Dhabi on October 17 before facing Afghanistan on October 21. The final will take place on October 23.
Mosaddek, who played a key role in Bangladesh’s historic tri-series triumph in Ireland in 2019, hopes to repeat that success in the UAE.
“I would say our preparation has been good. If you talk about the 2019 tri-series, I would call that an inspiration,” Mosaddek told reporters after Bangladesh’s training session on Thursday.
“We have a good opportunity ahead of us. There is the Asia Cup and then the World Cup. I think winning these tri-series tournaments will give us a lot of confidence going forward.”
Mosaddek was one of Bangladesh’s key players in the 2019 final against the West Indies. He smashed an unbeaten 52 off just 24 balls to help Bangladesh secure their first title in a multinational tournament.
However, the 30-year-old knows Bangladesh cannot afford to underestimate either Afghanistan or Zimbabwe.
Afghanistan have troubled Bangladesh in recent ODI meetings, while Zimbabwe have also shown their ability to compete against stronger opponents.
“In modern cricket, with the way the game is progressing, you cannot call any country or team a small side. Everyone has been playing very well in ODIs recently,” he said.
“I think this is a challenge for us to see how well we can perform here. If we can play well as a team now, the challenges ahead, whether it is the Asia Cup or the World Cup, will become easier for us.”
Asked whether Bangladesh wanted to prove their superiority over Afghanistan and Zimbabwe, Mosaddek stressed the importance of collective performances rather than individual brilliance.
“If we play good cricket on the field, that will prove a lot about how good a team we are,” he said.
“We all have to prove how well we can play together. Cricket is not an individual game. It is a team game. I think our biggest challenge is to show how well we can perform as a team.”
The all-rounder also backed Litton Das to succeed as Bangladesh’s ODI captain.
“We have known Litton for a long time. He is a very exciting captain. The way he reads the game from behind the stumps is excellent. I think he will do well as captain, and we will prove that as a team.”
Bangladesh are also working to adjust to the hot conditions in the UAE ahead of their opening match.
“We are trying to adjust, especially those of us who arrived later. I think today’s (Thursday) and tomorrow’s (Friday) practice sessions will help us adapt before the first match.”
