Bangladesh national team head coach Phil Simmons is expecting a high-scoring encounter in Rawalpindi when Bangladesh take on New Zealand on Monday.
Speaking to the media on Sunday, ahead of Bangladesh's practice session at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Simmons expressed his belief that the match could see a total exceeding 300 runs.
“This is a high-scoring ground, and we saw the scores in Lahore yesterday. So, you're looking at big totals here—300 plus,” he said when asked about the recent ODI record at the venue.
The last five ODIs at this ground have produced an average first-innings score of 278, and this time, the total could climb even higher. However, since Bangladesh is not traditionally known for posting big numbers, questions remain about their ability to capitalize when conditions are favorable. Simmons, however, remains confident.
“In the last five matches, we've reached 300 a couple of times, so we have the ability to do it. In the last game, we didn't start well, yet we still managed to reach 200. So, as long as we start well, we can get there,” he said. “This tournament is not about past records; it’s about the present. We play them tomorrow, and we take it one match at a time. Let’s see what happens,” he added.
Bowling too on a good batting wicket can also be challenging—something Bangladesh experienced firsthand during their last ODI series in the West Indies. “In those matches, the other teams batted better than us. We scored 300, but they scored more. That’s how the game is. We didn’t bowl well enough to restrict them,” Simmons admitted.
To improve, Bangladesh must tighten up their batting and bowling during the powerplay—something Simmons acknowledged. “In the first game, we lost overs 1-10 in both batting and bowling. It’s an area where we need to be better,” he emphasized, highlighting the importance of a strong start.
Despite concerns over Bangladesh's top-order struggles, Simmons remains unfazed about individual form but believes they need to be more composed early in the innings.
“I’m not concerned about their form. I just think we need to assess the conditions better and put together a solid first 10-15 overs. The middle and lower order have done well; now, it's time for the top order to step up,” he added.
Bangladesh’s past success in Rawalpindi might serve as a confidence booster. They won a Test series against Pakistan at this venue back in 2024, with Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das scoring centuries, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz contributed with two crucial 70-plus scores. Although this is a different format, Simmons hopes the familiar ground will reignite Bangladesh’s batting form.
“Coming to Pakistan and beating them is not easy, and that victory gave them a lot of confidence. Hopefully, it will have a positive impact on how they approach this match,” he said.
When asked about Mahmudullah’s potential return to the XI, Simmons remained optimistic yet cautious. “We’ll find out today. He’ll undergo a fitness test, and then we’ll know if he’s available for selection,” he stated.
“We are considering different options. First, we need to confirm Riyad’s fitness, and then we can balance the team accordingly. Once practice is over and we’ve assessed the conditions, we’ll make a final decision later this evening,” he concluded.
bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
