New Delhi: Bangladesh are potent enough to beat India at their own backyard, says pacer Shoriful Islam, pointing out to their maiden victory Pakistan recently.
Bangladesh toured Pakistan last month and defeated them 2-0 for their first victory over the Asian giants in the five-day format. Shoriful was part of that team though he is sidelined from the India Tests with a groin injury.
India host Bangladesh for two Tests with the first game beginning in Chennai on Thursday followed by the second game in Kanpur from September 27. They have never won a Test against India, having lost 11 of the 13 matches between them.
But their victory in Pakistan have given them renewed belief with Shoriful optimistic of their chances in India.
“We believe that we can beat India. We did well against Pakistan and have hopes of winning in India as well,” Shoriful told BDcrictime.
Bangladesh bank on pace attack
When asked to point out their strengths, Shoriful said he has high hopes from Bangladesh’s pace attack that has the likes of Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana and Khaled Ahmed .
Their impressive performances have helped in th growth of Bangladesh’s cricket, said Shoriful.
“Our pace bowlers are in form and rhythm. Earlier, we had pacers, but did not have backing. Now they have support, and it’s good for Bangladesh cricket,” he said.
After the Test series, India and Bangladesh will engage in a three-match T20I series on October 6, October 9 and October 12 in which Shoriful is confident of making an appearance.
Shoriful missed Bangladesh’s win over Pakistan in the second Test as he injured his groin.
“I have started working, bowling every day. So, I am hopeful that I will be fit before the T20 team goes to India,” Shoriful added.
Bangladesh have never beaten India in Tests and their away two-match tour begins in Chennai from Thursday Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
