Mosaddek hopes 2019 tri-series triumph can inspire Bangladesh

Bangladesh allrounder Mosaddek Hossain said on Thursday (October 15) that the team can draw inspiration from their 2019 tri-nation series triumph as they prepare for a similar campaign in the United Arab Emirates involving Afghanistan and Zimbabwe.

Bangladesh began their training session at the Sheikh Abu Jayed Stadium on Thursday without all-rounder Mehidy Hasan, who had a slight fever and was rested. "Nothing serious as he was having a slight fever and as it was day practice he was just given rest," a BCB official said.

Bangladesh last played an ODI tri-series back in 2019 involving West Indies. Mosaddek was Bangladesh's match-winner in the 2019 Ireland tri-series final against West Indies as he sealed the title with an unbeaten 52. Seven years later, Mosaddek hopes that triumph will inspire Bangladesh ahead of another ODI tri-series.

"I would say our preparation is good. If you talk about the 2019 tri-series, I would call it a source of inspiration. From that perspective, this is a good opportunity ahead of the Asia Cup and then the World Cup. If we can win these tri-series matches, I think we will gain a lot of confidence going forward," Mosaddek told reporters in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

Mosaddek added that Bangladesh cannot afford to take any team for granted, pointing towards the increasingly competitive nature of international cricket. "Look, whether you talk about modern-day cricket or the way the game is played now, you cannot call any country or any team a small side. Everyone is performing very well in the ODI format recently. So, I think this is a challenge for us, to see how well we can perform here.

"If we can do well as a team during this period, I think the challenges ahead, whether the Asia Cup or the World Cup after that, will become easier for us," he said.

The upcoming tournament against Afghanistan and Zimbabwe will be Litton Das's first assignment as Bangladesh's full-time ODI captain, having already led the side in T20Is. With the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, the series will be an important opportunity for the new ODI skipper to establish his approach.

"We have known Litton for a long time. He is a very exciting captain, and the way he reads the game while standing behind the stumps, as a wicketkeeper, is excellent," said Mosaddek. "I think he will do well as captain, and as a team, Inshallah, we will prove that."

Mosaddek added that the players had already been informed about their responsibilities as Litton is clear about their individual roles ahead of the tournament. "We had a discussion among ourselves last night, including with the captain. Everyone was told about their roles, so I think everyone is very clear about their responsibilities."

Bangladesh will open their campaign against Zimbabwe in Abu Dhabi on October 17 before facing Afghanistan in Sharjah on October 21.