Du Plessis wary of the Tigers threat
South Africa may have had a flying start to the tour when they romped to a flawless eight-wicket victory in the practice match at Fatullah on Friday, but skipper Faf du Plessis -- who was a keen observer of the Bangladesh-India series last month -- was wary of the threat that the Bangladesh national team could pose.
"It was a pretty good start on Friday, but we also appreciate their main side. The competition will be a lot harder. On Friday we got the basic things out… we adjusted to the heat and the conditions so it was good. But we are not too happy knowing that tomorrow will be a lot more difficult," said du Plessis at the pre-match press conference in Mirpur yesterday.
From being filled with match-winners and a number of T20 specialists to enjoying a brilliant record against Bangladesh, the South African contingent, going into the series, are the clear favourites.
However, du Plessis was not in a complacent mood. He was aware of the threat that the hosts could pose.
"The nice thing about the Bangladesh team at the moment is the new guys coming through and that -- especially in the shortest format of the game -- can be dangerous, because they are guys you haven't seen or played against and T20 cricket is a lot shorter.
"You don't have the two overs where you, as a batsman, can look the bowler over and then try to play him differently. You have to make decisions a lot quicker. Sometimes the unknown can be very dangerous," said du Plessis.
The Proteas captain also hoped that the youngsters taking part in the T20I series can play a big role for South Africa in the future.
"Obviously it's a big year for us. I think we will see one or two opportunities given to younger guys and see who else can step up in four years time. If guys like AB [de Villiers] and Hashim [Amla] are not around, we have to plan for that.
"But certainly from a captain's perspective it's good that the T20s have a bit more importance to share. Last year it was less important so there were a lot of senior players being rested. So it's nice that this year all the big players are available for the games," said du Plessis.
He further indicated that the team was likely to field three pacers and 'a couple of spinners' for the first T20I today.
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