Published on 04:26 PM, December 31, 2017

‘We know both opponents well’

Bangladesh cricketer Tamim Iqbal plays a shot during the one day international (ODI) cricket match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Photo: AFP File

Bangladesh are preparing for the Tri-nation series which starts on January 15, 2018 and  involves Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. The Tigers begin 2018 with the Tri-Nation series before playing a Test and T20 series against the Lankans.

The Tigers have never won a Tri- Nation series and Bangladesh's opening batsman Tamim Iqbal suggested that Tigers' know their opponents well and they are eager to win a Tri-Nation series.

"I feel that this will be a very exciting series."

He felt that both teams command respect and said: "Sri Lanka are a good side and Zimbabwe can become really dangerous on their day. But Bangladesh are playing at home and we should be the favourites."

Also Read: BCB releases fixture list for Tri-Nation Series, SL's tour

Tigers made it to the Asia Cup final back in 2012, where they lost by just 2 runs against Pakistan.

Bangladesh have never won a Tri-Nation series and the left-hander reiterated that this is going to be big opportunity for the Tigers.

"We have not played a lot of Tri-Nation tournaments. We went to a final once and this tournament is providing us with a huge opportunity.

"We know both our opponents well and are aware of there strengths and weaknesses. The next few days of preparation are very important.

Both Zimbabwe's Heath Streak and Sri Lanka's Chandika Hathurusinghe had been in charge of Bangladesh team, with Hathurusinghe handing over his resignation mid-way through Bangladesh's tour of South Africa. Tamim suggested that coaches can plan for things but it's the players who need to execute the instructions and perform in the field.

"It's a big factor if one starts thinking about it. They were here for three or four years. You can plan and strategize all you want but at the end of the day it has to be executed in the field.  If we can execute the coach's plan then we will be able to do well," Tamim concluded.