Bangladesh’s senior assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin is determined to end the tournament on a high note, emphasizing that despite the match being a dead rubber, his team will not take Pakistan lightly.
Ahead of the final match in the series, Bangladesh’s senior assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin expressed his desire for victory in the dead rubber against Pakistan. Reiterating a sentiment earlier shared by Pakistan’s coach Aaqib Javed, Salahuddin emphasized that his team will not underestimate Pakistan, and they are set to give their best performance.
Salahuddin said, “This match could be a turning point for our players.” He highlighted the biggest concern for the Bangladesh management is the off-form of the batters. The team had a day off from practice in Rawalpindi due to rain, and there are worries about their batting performance. The coach noted that despite last year’s Test series victory over Pakistan in Rawalpindi, they failed to build on that confidence in their recent matches against New Zealand.
Addressing concerns about the batting unit, Salahuddin said, “We haven’t been doing well with the bat, and that’s a cause for concern. In the first match, the top-order didn’t perform well, and in the next match, the middle-order faltered. We need to improve as soon as possible. Our batters must perform tomorrow.” However, he praised the bowlers for their recent performances and expressed hope that the team would perform well in this match.
On the topic of Naeem Rana, who had impressed in Rawalpindi, Salahuddin lauded the entire pace bowling unit, stating, “I hope Taskin, Raza, and Mustafiz will one day rule the world.”
Liberty News’ sports correspondent statas that ahead of the match, Bangladesh captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto had spoken of winning the Champions Trophy despite preparation setbacks. Salahuddin supported the captain’s optimism, stating, “If the captain doesn’t dream, how can we expect to succeed? If you ask me what I’ve come to do, I’ll say I’ve come to participate with the goal of winning.”
LND/BG
