After a sobering T20I series defeat to the UAE in Sharjah, Bangladesh are determined to reset and respond as they face Pakistan in a three-match series beginning today in Lahore. Captain Litton Das has labelled the campaign a “new challenge” and called on his side to turn recent frustrations into purposeful cricket.
“We were not up to the mark in the last series,” Litton said on the eve of the opening match. “This is a new series, a new challenge. We know where we did well and where we did badly in the past. We will have to apply that in the game.”
The Tigers, who failed to defend targets in both the second and third T20Is against the UAE, have been under scrutiny for inconsistent batting performances and lacklustre bowling at the death. While glimpses of form were evident — particularly from Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan — the team’s overall execution lacked sharpness.
Litton himself scored just 65 runs across the UAE series, but he is intent on setting the tone in Lahore. “I know how important my batting role is in this team. I will try my best to stay consistent. We have some good form players in the team. T20 needs a combined batting effort, so if we can do well together, we will have a chance of good results.”
Bangladesh enter the Pakistan series sitting outside the top 8 in the ICC T20I rankings — a fact not lost on the captain. “We would be among the top teams in the world if we were a consistent side,” Litton admitted. “We definitely lack something as we are down in the rankings. We are working towards becoming more consistent. Every series presents a different challenge.”
Despite the dip in form and growing media criticism, Litton emphasised the need for inward focus. “We believe we can beat any team in the world. We have to play good cricket. We’re not focused on the opposition. I’m not just focused on results — they don’t always go your way. What’s more important is how we play the game.”
On external noise and fan expectations, Litton remained composed. “It is expected that there will be discussions and criticism when we don’t play well. We always try to play good cricket. We don’t want to repeat our mistakes of the past. I think we can have a good series.”
The conditions in Lahore are also expected to play a role in shaping outcomes. Unlike the dew-heavy evenings of Sharjah, the Gaddafi Stadium has so far remained dry. “We fielded in the second half in all three matches in Sharjah. The dew was a factor. Here in Lahore, over the last three days, we haven’t seen any dew. It will be a high-scoring series. We have to play smart cricket.”
With Pakistan expected to field a full-strength side and local crowds returning in large numbers, the pressure will be on Bangladesh not only to compete, but to show tangible progress after recent setbacks. For Litton Das and his men, the path back to consistency begins tonight — and the margin for error is rapidly narrowing.