Bangladesh Seek Redemption in Pakistan After UAE Setback

Heading into the Pakistan tour on the back of a shocking series defeat to the United Arab Emirates, Liton Das' Bangladesh side is looking to turn a fresh page. Despite the humiliating loss, the team is drawing confidence from the setback, according to head coach Phil Simmons.

Bangladesh begins their three-match T20I series against Pakistan on May 28, with the first match taking place at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, where the team trained for the first time today.

Simmons remains optimistic about Bangladesh’s chances in the series:

“I believe there’s always a big opportunity to win a series. I think it's time for us to play our best cricket. I have great memories in Pakistan—I’ve played here, and I enjoyed it.”

However, the coach is also wary of the challenge that host Pakistan presents:

“We aim to win the series, but Pakistan is a dangerous team at any given time. They may have performed poorly recently, but they can be a different side tomorrow. People keep saying Pakistan hasn’t played well—but Pakistan is still Pakistan.”

The series loss to the UAE marked Bangladesh’s first-ever series defeat in any format against the Emiratis. But surprisingly, Simmons views the defeat as a source of motivation for the squad rather than a setback:

“It was hard losing the series in the UAE, but sometimes that’s what motivates you. Let’s hope it has inspired the team—it certainly has boosted our morale.”