Kiwi captain respects cornered Tigers
Mitchell Santner is all smiles ahead of Bangladesh game, AFP
At a pre-match press conference on Sunday, Santner highlighted Bangladesh’s well-rounded squad and warned against underestimating them.
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"Both teams know each other well as we've played a lot against Bangladesh recently. They are a very good side. Traditionally, their spin department was strong, but now their pace attack has also become quite impressive." Santner remarked.
Santner praised pacers Taskin Ahmed and the emerging Nahid Rana, as well as the experienced Mahmudullah, who can contribute with both bat and ball. The Kiwi skipper also mentioned wicketkeeper-batter Jaker Ali, who gained attention during the West Indies tour, and leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, emphasizing Bangladesh's depth.
Despite the absence of Shakib Al Hasan, Santner believes Bangladesh remains dangerous with versatile players like Mehidy Hasan Miraz stepping up. "They have a balanced squad capable of causing upsets. We hope it won’t happen against us," he added.
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Discussing the conditions at Rawalpindi, Santner predicted a high-scoring match. "The pitch looks flat. It won’t be a 200-run wicket. We'll need to score over 300," he said, highlighting the challenge for bowlers in such conditions.
With both teams aiming to strengthen their positions in Group B, the match promises to be a thrilling contest between two well-acquainted sides.
