Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto says he wants his team to use the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka to prepare for the T20 World Cup in June.

The series, which opens Monday in Sylhet, marks the start of Sri Lanka’s month-long tour of Bangladesh, which also includes three ODIs and two Tests.

Najmul said it was critical to “play as a team”, noting that big wins last year were because “everyone contributed”.

Bangladesh have never defeated Sri Lanka in a T20I series.

Sri Lanka coach Chris Silverwood said he was expecting a “very competitive series between two good sides”.

Bangladesh defeated world champions England 3-0 at home in 2023, and also won series against Ireland and Afghanistan, before drawing a three-match series 1-1 against New Zealand.

Najmul said he wanted to keep the momentum going into the World Cup, hosted this year by the United States and the West Indies.

“Last year, we did well in T20s, and I think we have improved in T20s,” Najmul told reporters. “If we can improve … then hopefully we will be able to compete with anyone in any condition.”

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are both in Group D for the World Cup, along with South Africa, Nepal and the Netherlands.

“It is very important that we play eight or 11 matches before going to the World Cup,” Najmul said.

“If we take these matches … and decide how we want to play in the World Cup, then it will be easy to plan,” he said.

The World Cup is a key focus of Sri Lanka too.

“Obviously, we’re now in the build-up to what is an important competition in the World Cup,” Silverwood said

“What we have to do is concentrate on what’s in front of us and remember what we’re aiming for.”

The second and third T20Is will be held on 6 and 9 March, both also at Sylhet.

© Agence France-Presse

Photo: BCB