Bangladesh captain Nazimul Hossain Shanto on Sunday said his team would like to use the three consecutive Twenty20 series matches against Sri Lanka to perfect the format ahead of June’s World Cup.
The series, which opens in Sylhet on Monday, marks the beginning of Sri Lanka’s month-long tour of Bangladesh, which also includes three one-day international races and two Tests.
Najmul said it was important to “play as a team” and pointed out that last year’s big win was because “everyone contributed.”
Bangladesh has never beaten Sri Lanka in a Twenty20 series.
Sri Lanka coach Chris Silverwood said he was expecting a “very competitive series between good teams”.
Bangladesh defeated world champions England 3-0 at home in 2023, and also won series against Ireland and Afghanistan, before drawing 1-1 in three consecutive matches against New Zealand.
Najmul said he hopes to maintain the momentum ahead of this year’s World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States and West Indies.
“Last year we did well in T20s and I think we have improved in T20s,” Najmul told reporters.
“If we can improve…I think we’ll be able to compete with anyone in any conditions.”
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are in Group D of the World Cup along with South Africa, Nepal and Netherlands.
“It is very important to play eight or 11 games before going to the World Cup,” Najmul said.
“Once we watch these games and decide how we want to play in the World Cup, it will be easy to make plans,” he said.
The World Cup is also an important focus for Sri Lanka.
“Obviously we’re currently preparing for an important tournament at the World Cup,” Silverwood said.
“What we have to do is… focus on what’s in front of us and remember what we’re aiming for.”
The second and third T20 matches will be held on March 6 and 9, both in Sylhet.
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