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"Bangladesh Are Ahead...": Naim Cites Why Pakistan Are Second Favourite In T20I Series

Akshita Patel

Mohammed Naim begins preparation for Pakistan series [Source: @ThurunuJ/X.com]Mohammed Naim begins preparation for Pakistan series [Source: @ThurunuJ/X.com]

Just a day after Bangladesh returned from their T20I series win in Sri Lanka, opener Mohammad Naim was the only player to attend an optional training session on Friday. The Tigers are preparing for a three-match T20I series against Pakistan starting Sunday, and Naim believes the home advantage will work in their favour.

Pakistan will tour Bangladesh for a three-game series starting from July 20 at Dhaka. Historically, the Tigers haven’t been able to challenge Pakistan in the T20 format. Out of 22 games, Bangladesh has won only 3 and lost 19 fixtures.

In their last 3-game series held in Pakistan in May, Bangladesh were whitewashed 0-3.

Mohammad Naim Banking On Home Advantage Ahead Of Pakistan Series

Regardless of the previous stats, Bangladesh's opening batter Mohammad Naim believes things will be different this time.

Talking to the media in Dhaka, Naim said Bangladesh have momentum from the last series against Sri Lanka and know the conditions in Mirpur well. That home advantage is what he is banking on to have an edge.

"Definitely, at home, I would feel that Bangladesh are ahead. We got a winning momentum, and we would like to carry it. Since we are playing at home, we know how the games usually go in Mirpur. Haven't seen the wicket yet. I just completed an individual session, and the momentum the team has is very good. We are not bothered about what happened in the past," Naim said.

Although he might replace Parvez Hossain Emon, who scored two ducks in Sri Lanka, Naim said his training was part of his regular routine and not focused specifically on the Pakistan series.

Litton Das To Lead Bangladesh In Pakistan Series

Bangladesh have named an unchanged squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan, starting July 20. Litton Das will lead the team, fresh off a 2-1 series win in Sri Lanka. 

Despite underperforming in the previous series, Mehidy Hasan Miraz retains his spot, while top-order batters Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emon are set to continue. 

Mohammad Naim has been included as a backup opener. Key pacers like Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman will lead the bowling attack, supported by spinners Rishad Hossain and Nasum Ahmed. The series will be played from July 20 to 24 in Bangladesh.