Bangladesh respect Pakistan for their cricket: Mortaza

15 March, Kolkata

Ahead of their first ICC World T20 Super-10 Group B match against Pakistan at Eden Gardens tomorrow, Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza Tuesday said they respect their opponents, whch comprised youth and expericed players headed by all rounder Shahid Afridi.

Bangladesh are currently playing quality cricket producing surprises both in batting and bowling, especially from Asia Cup in home. They defeated Pakistan at the decider before finally lost to India in the summit clash.”I beliveve Pakistan have more experience than us but in the last two months in this format we have proven that we are good.”

Mortaza told reporters at the media confernce here.Asia Cup runners up Bangladesh came through the qualifiers in the first group stage in world T20 defeating Netherlands and Oman.

Their match against Ireland saw no result after it was washed out by rain.The Bangladeshis played Oman in the decider on Sunday where Tamim Iqbal made good for the final qualifier.

After playing against Pakistan in the day-night match at Eden tomorrow, Bangladesh will have to face hosts India, New Zealand and Australia in Group 2 of the Super 10.Mortaza said they have been playing matches for quite some time now, but Pakistan have always held an edge over them in the international games.

Mortaza also lauded the batting of Tamim Iqbal saying they were depending heavily on his current form.He said his boys are expected to produce their best to make a mark in the world championship.