Bangladesh must remain focused and hungry against New Zealand: Mahmudullah

Fresh from a stunning 4-1 T20I series win against Australia, Bangladesh would enter the five-match T20I series against a second-string New Zealand side as the favourites, considering that the games are played at their own backyard. However, even when with the conditions favouring them, skipper Mahmudullah has asked the players to remain focused and hungry against the BlackCaps. 

"You can consider yourself favourites in T20s, but if it becomes overconfidence, it can be negative for you. The team that reads the conditions well and has the hunger to do well on the day usually comes out on top in T20s. Having said that, they are very disciplined side in their homework and execution level. We must remain focused and hungry, as we did against Australia. I would love to see the continuity," said Mahmudullah. 

The all-rounder also insisted that every series provides an opportunity for the teams to feel valued and showcase their talent against the world’s best sides.

"There will always be expectations, especially when it has built up in our home conditions. We are very competitive and confident at home. We use our conditions well. Every opportunity for the team and individual must be valued. Rest will take care of itself. It is a very good opportunity for our team. We are eager to prove that we are good at home. I am hopeful that the boys will be up for it."

Against Australia, the wickets were under the scanner, with every game ultimately being turned into a low-scoring thriller. However, the all-rounder wants his side to put the negative mindset out of the box, instead opting to play their natural game while adapting to the conditions. 

"The wicket is tough to predict at any time but I feel it is better to have a positive mindset. We can adjust during the match if we see it is different than what we predicted, rather than going into the game with a mindset that it will be a 110-120 wicket. That would be a negative mindset. If we can execute our plans, we will get a good score here," he said.

With New Zealand and Australia having already announced their squad for the World T20, Mahmudullah revealed that the Tigers have their team ready and will announce it soon. 

"We are all set with the team. The coach and I are in the same page. The selectors have given their views too. I think they will announce the team soon too. It would have been better if the team was declared before the New Zealand series. Players would have felt relieved. But it is not in our control. What we can do is play well, which is what we should keep in mind. The team management will take care of it," Mahmudullah said.