Mohammad Naim Sheikh is confident ahead of Bangladesh’s three-match T20I series against Pakistan, backing his side to perform strongly at home despite a poor head-to-head record.
The left-handed batter, recently recalled to the national team, believes familiar conditions and a sharper bowling unit give Bangladesh a real chance this time.
Bangladesh have won only three of their 22 T20Is against Pakistan. Their last victory came in the 2016 Asia Cup in Dhaka. Since then, Pakistan have dominated, including 3-0 series wins in Dhaka in 2021 and in Lahore earlier this year. Despite that, Naim sees cause for optimism.
“Of course, we always consider ourselves favourites at home. This time is no different,” he said after a batting session at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on 18 July.
He pointed to Bangladesh’s improved batting efforts during their recent tour of Pakistan, even though the results did not go their way.
“In Pakistan, most of the games were high-scoring. We scored 190 to 200 runs but our bowling let us down. Against Sri Lanka, it was the opposite. Our bowlers were in really good rhythm. If we can maintain that form, I think we can capitalise on home conditions.”
Naim returned to the T20I setup for the Sri Lanka series after being out of the side since November 2022. He was initially brought in as a replacement for the injured Soumya Sarkar but was surprised to be asked to bat at number four instead of his usual role as an opener. He responded with a match-winning 54 off 34 balls in the third game in Sylhet, helping Bangladesh seal a 3-0 series win.
“I didn’t expect to bat at four, to be honest. But I was ready for it. Wherever the team wants me to bat, I will try to adjust. I’ve always opened the innings so I’m still learning how to bat in the middle order, especially in terms of pacing the innings.”
Naim also reflected on the differences between the two roles and said he is enjoying the learning process.
“When you open, you have a different mindset. In the middle order, you have to read the game differently. But I’m enjoying the challenge.”