Pakistan optimistic to beat Bangladesh in ODI series
Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson expressed confidence about ending the upcoming three-match ODI series against Bangladesh on a winning note, despite arriving with a relatively inexperienced squad.
The ODI series will be the first between the two sides on Bangladesh soil since 2015. However, Pakistan toured Bangladesh last year for a three-match T20 series, which they lost 2-1.
Bangladesh also whitewashed Pakistan in a two-match Test series on Pakistani soil.
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Despite those results, Hesson said Pakistan's recent performances have boosted the team's confidence. Pakistan defeated South Africa 2-1 in an ODI series and also whitewashed Sri Lanka in a three-match series.
Speaking to the reporters todayy, Hesson said the pitch for the ODI series looked ideal for cricket, which further strengthened their confidence.
"We respect Bangladesh, particularly in their own conditions, particularly. But as I said, these conditions here will be very different from what we saw in that T20 series last year. It had a pretty inconsistent bounce and was a fairly average surface," Hesson said.
"This wicket certainly looks a lot better. I think both sides will be challenged with the ball as much as they will with the bat. Bangladesh have been playing a lot more 50-over cricket in recent times, so we know we will have to make that adjustment really quickly."
Pakistan rested and dropped several established players, bringing in a number of inexperienced cricketers for the tour. However, Hesson said he is excited about the opportunity for the newcomers.
"Look, it's an exciting group. We've got some fresh faces who have done well with the Pakistan A team and earned the right to get opportunities at the next level. We're excited as a group to involve them," Hesson said.
"I think our challenge here is adapting to the pitch quickly. Regardless of what's thrown at us, we need to make sure we have a team ready to challenge Bangladesh in their own conditions. Our last two one-day series have been exceptional. We won both very convincingly, played some good, solid cricket and got runs at the top of the order, which always helps. This series will be a challenge for some new players to do the same."
