Bangladesh step back into ODI cricket this year with Pakistan on the horizon, and Saif Hassan believes the ongoing Bangladesh Cricket League gives the team timely preparation, as Central Zone face North Zone in Tuesday’s final in Mirpur.
Speaking on Monday, Central Zone batter Saif Hassan framed the final as more than a domestic decider. He saw it as a rare chance to rebuild one-day rhythm.
“Since we have reached the final, we get the opportunity to play one more match,” Saif said. He made the point clearly. “Before an ODI series, this is very good preparation for us.”
Bangladesh have barely touched the 50-over format in recent times. Saif did not hide that frustration.
“In the last one or one-and-a-half years, we haven’t really had many ODI opportunities,” he said. The few they played came squeezed between T20s, which diluted the focus.
“Now that we have ODI series coming up, preparation becomes far more important,” Saif added. He sounded like a batter craving time, patience and proper tempo.
The final shifts to Mirpur and brings a day-night setting. Saif welcomed that challenge rather than dodging it.
“In Bogura and Rajshahi, we usually get very good wickets,” he said. He expects Mirpur to deliver as well. “Since it’s a day-night match, I hope the wicket will be good.”
Saif underlined a simple truth batters live by. “If you get match practice before a series, it helps a lot,” he said. Venue mattered less than intent.
“Wherever I play, I always try to give my hundred percent,” Saif added. Bangladesh need that mindset as they gear up for Pakistan and restart their ODI journey.
