Dhoni: Mirpur pitch not good for World T20 prep

India captain MS Dhoni believes the pitches in the ongoing Asia Cup in Bangladesh are not helping the sides prepare for the upcoming World T20, starting in March.
All the games in the Asia Cup have been played in Mirpur and in the four matches played so far the highest team score has been 166, by India against Bangladesh in the opening game of the tournament proper.
On Saturday, Pakistan were shot out for just 83 on a pitch that gave plenty of assistance to the seam bowlers with India struggling to chase down the target, eventually winning by five wickets.
Dhoni said after the game: "We scored 166 in one match but frankly we were going to score 140. Other than that there have been low-scoring games which I feel is not that good.
"We thought it would be good practice ahead of the World T20, so it's not a good practice in terms of hitting but yes in terms of respecting the conditions.
"The reason why people love T20 is the sixes and fours. At the same time you don't want [teams scoring] 80s and 100s. Low scoring should be 130-140 and high-scoring can be 200 or 240.
"In a way, it's good for us because we are a side that plays aggressive cricket. What it does, it pushes us to respect the conditions. In the coming games the openers won't go with a set mindset."
Latest
-
News
Joe Root ready to have a ball in Sri Lanka
The England captain could find himself pressed into use as a third spinner with Moeen Ali in isolation.
-
News
Steve Smith debate has been “blown up” says England all-rounder Chris Woakes
The former Australia captain was filmed scratching at the batting crease while fielding against India.
-
News
Moeen Ali coronavirus quarantine extended after mild symptoms
The England all-rounder is now unlikely to feature in England’s Test series in Sri Lanka.
-
News
Australia go on the defensive over Steve Smith scuffing saga
Australia have closed ranks around Steve Smith, who is upset over being painted as a villain following the drawn third Test against India.
-
News
On This Day in 1996: Dickie Bird announces retirement from umpiring
Bird umpired in 66 Tests and 69 one-day internationals.
-
News
Dan Lawrence adamant he will stick to ‘unique’ batting technique in Test arena
The 23-year-old should make his Test debut when England start their two-match series against Sri Lanka.
-
News
Steve Smith criticised for appearing to scuff Rishabh Pant’s guard in third Test
Former Australia captain Steve Smith was branded “childish” after an incident during the final day of their drawn third Test against India
-
News
Tim Paine admits he let the Australian bowlers down
Australia captain Tim Paine believes he was at least partially to blame for his side failing to bowl India.
-
News
Testing times on tour in Sri Lanka – the life of an international cricketer
Gloucestershire’s James Bracey is on his first overseas tour with England. Here he writes about his experiences so far in Sri Lanka.
-
News
India salvage unlikely draw in third Test against Australia
India salvaged an unlikely draw as the third Test against Australia reached a thrilling finale.