Bangladesh’s star all-rounder Shakib Al-Hasan believes that series wins over Australia, New Zealand and Zimbabwe will boost their chances at the T20 World Cup, despite a record that shows just one victory at the tournament since 2007.

Bangladesh will have to take part in the qualifying round at the 2021 event starting in the UAE and Oman on Sunday. But Shakib believes the recent wins in Dhaka have toughened the side at the right time.

“I think we have a good chance in the World Cup. We had a good preparation. The big reason for this is that we won those three series,” said Shakib. “When a team keeps winning, it builds a winning mentality, it takes confidence to a new level.”

The Tigers go into qualifying against Scotland, Oman and Papua New Guinea seeking one of two places to take part in the main Super 12 competition.

Now sixth in the ICC T20I rankings, they are among the favourites to get through.

The team’s limited-over fortunes have been boosted by the good form of fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman – a standout performer at the IPL with the Rajasthan Royals.

Bangladesh have also discovered a new generation of batters in Mohammad Naim, Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar and Mushfiqur Rahim to back captain Mahmudullah Riyad.

But the wins over Australia and New Zealand were against weakened touring sides on slow pitches that perfectly suited Bangladesh’s game. And not everyone is optimistic about Bangladesh’s improved showing having an effect at the World Cup.

“We have not won a game in the main round since 2007. I can only hope that this situation will change this time,” former captain Mohammad Ashraful told AFP. “I am expecting two wins against Afghanistan and Ireland [if they qualify]. Anything more than this will be a big achievement.”

Ashraful, man of the match in Bangladesh’s World Cup win over the West Indies in 2007, played down the importance of the series wins over Australia (4-1) and New Zealand (3-2).

Australia were without captain Aaron Finch and other key players, while the Black Caps had none of their World Cup players.

“Australia and New Zealand sent weak teams, none had their main batsmen, yet we also lost matches to them,” he said. “We got the wins but no batsman scored a hundred or a bowler got five wickets.

“A win always gives you confidence. But I did not see any individual performance. The bowlers did well but I don’t think we will get this kind of wicket in the UAE.”

Ashrafaul is among those who remember how Bangladesh started with a bang in T20Is, winning three of their first four games before getting stuck in the bottom half of the rankings.

Bangladesh’s passionate fans want to see the much-loved Shakib and his teammates turn words into action at this World Cup.

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