Bangladesh all-rounder Mosaddek Hossain has backed the Tigers to register their first One Day International (ODI) series win in Sri Lanka when the teams will face each other in a three-match ODI series starting from 26 July here.

However, Bangladesh have never won an ODI series in Sri Lanka, but Mosaddek believes that the Tigers are favourites against the hosts this time given their impressive performance at the World Cup 2019.

Mosaddek told reporters on Thursday, 18 July, “I think we are favourites against Sri Lanka. We are in a better position than them in both batting and bowling, and if you talk about experience, then we are in a better position in that area too.”

With the all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan resting for the series along with Mahmudullah not bowling in recent times due to shoulder injury, Mosaddek will have a great opportunity to cement his place in the One Day side as an all-rounder during the Lanka series.

He continued, “Since I debuted in ODIs, I have had to bowl almost in every match. Even when Riyad [Mahmudullah] bhai was regular in bowling, I had to bowl five-six overs in every match. I always consider myself to be a batting all-rounder. I'm getting more chance as a bowler and I will be ahead more as an all-rounder. Shakib bhai won't be with us in the Sri Lanka series.

That's why more opportunities may come in the bowling department. I may have to come in bowling early. Or I may have to bowl more overs than usual. Of course, I am prepared for that opportunity if I have to bowl more overs. I have a plan regarding that. I am focusing on every bit of opportunity that I will get. I am not thinking anything besides that.”

Meanwhile, Mosaddek, who had added a vital 66-run with Mahmudullah in their World Cup opener against South Africa, wants to establish himself as a strong finisher at the No.7 position.

The all-rounder further added, “I think I will have to bat in the Sri Lanka series at the same position where I batted throughout the World Cup and series before that because of team combination. I think I am set in that position.”

Mosaddek signed off by saying, “Before the World Cup, I was totally focusing on improving my strike-rate. So, when I will go on to bat, I may face the same type of situation. If the situation is bad, then I have to bat well and propel my team forward. So, I am working on that.”

(With ICC Inputs)