Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons remains optimistic about his team’s chances ahead of their three-match T20I series against Pakistan, starting Wednesday in Lahore, despite a surprising 2-1 series loss to the UAE earlier this month.
Simmons believes the UAE defeat could act as a wake-up call for the team. “Sometimes that lifts you up,” he said during a practice session under lights. “Our morale has been great, and we’re hopeful it fuels a stronger performance here.”
With Pakistan and Bangladesh both struggling in recent T20Is—Pakistan winning just 3 of their last 13 and Bangladesh 4 of 12—Simmons sees the upcoming series as an open contest. “It’s about what happens on the day. We have a good chance of winning,” he added.
Simmons acknowledged the absence of key pacers Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman due to injuries but expressed confidence in the remaining bowlers to rise to the occasion. “Our bowling is usually our stronger suit. Let’s hope one of the bowlers steps up to fill Fizz’s shoes.”
Newly appointed fast bowling coach Shaun Tait has joined the squad for his first assignment, with Simmons expressing faith in his impact: “Tait will be brilliant not just for the bowlers, but for the team overall.”
With redemption in sight, Bangladesh will aim to turn their fortunes around and build momentum against a vulnerable Pakistan side.
