Mushfiqur feels Afghanistan are favourites for T20I series

Bangladesh wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim has played down his team’s chances in the bilateral Twenty20 International series against Afghanistan in India in early June.
Afghanistan sport a top quality bowling attack led by number one ranked bowler Rashid Khan and backed up by exciting youngster Mujeeb ur Rahman who is making waves in the IPL.
“Afghanistan are a dangerous team in T20s. A lot of things are in their favour in this series, particularly the home advantage,” Rahim told gathered media.
“They have a number of world-class bowlers who are doing well in the IPL. Rashid Khan is a world-class bowler. He hasn’t conceded more than 6 or 7 an over in all but one IPL game this season.
“Apart from Rashid Khan, Mujeeb bowls with the new ball,” he pointed out. “They (Afghanistan) are also a good side in ODIs and they have qualified for the World Cup. So everything will be in their favour.”
ALSO READ: Bangladesh Cricket Board hit out at Cricket Australia
Another huge factor will be the pitches which will be new territory for both sides with games to be played in Dehradun in Northern India.
Mushfiqur added: “We have virtually no idea about the pitches there. But we hope to quickly adjust through the practice match.”
“We have some capable players. If they click, this will be a good series,” he said. “We have to take confidence from the previous series in Sri Lanka. We beat Sri Lanka in their home venue and also did quite well against India.”
The teams are scheduled to play three T20Is at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Dehradun, on 3, 5 and 7 June. Bangladesh will play a practice match on 1 June before that.
Latest
-
England
Jos Buttler admits he needs to find his rhythm as England lose to South Africa
The hosts won the second ODI by five wickets to clinch the series in Bloemfontein.
-
South Africa
Temba Bavuma hits hundred as South Africa secure ODI series win over England
The Proteas chased down 343 at Bloemfontein to go 2-0 up in the three-match series.
-
England
Jos Buttler and Harry Brook give England hope of levelling ODI series
England reached 342 for seven against South Africa, with Buttler making 94 and Brook 80.
-
England
Jason Roy was never ready to ‘roll over’ despite year of setbacks and low points
Roy has for so long been England’s pacesetter at the top of the order but lost his place in the side.
-
England
England batter Jason Roy emotional after return to form in South Africa defeat
Roy’s slump with the bat led to him being dropped ahead of England’s T20 World Cup-winning campaign last year.
-
England
Jofra Archer will ‘get better and better’ but England batting needs more bite
Archer took one for 81 on a hot and sunny afternoon in Bloemfontein.
-
England
England beaten by South Africa in first ODI despite blistering Jason Roy century
Roy scored 113 off just 91 balls but South Africa ran out winners by 27 runs.
-
Women's Cricket
England reach Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup final after winning thriller
With Australia 96 for nine chasing 100, the England captain trapped Maggie Clark lbw to send her side through to face India in the final.
-
England
Jofra Archer toils for little reward as South Africa set England 299 to win ODI
Archer believes he is at about “80 per cent” fitness so some rust was inevitable.
-
Women's Cricket
Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa to have all-female match officials
Three match referees and 10 umpires will form the 13-strong team.