Bangladesh skipper –Mahmudullah on Wednesday said that the Tigers need to revive their self-belief to overcome their struggle in the T20 format of the game. He also said that Bangladesh have not played to their potential in the recent past which costs them in the T20 cricket.

According to a report in Cricbuzz, Mahmudullah said, “I think there are question marks over our strength and ability in this format, considering we did not play to our potential in the recent past.”

Bangladesh is all set to play their Nidahas Trophy opener against India on Thursday (8 March) at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, and Mahmudullah said that even without their star players, India are still a very experienced side with their massive IPL experience.

He added, “India is still a strong side, even though some their experienced players aren't around on this tour. Their current squad has a lot of players who have the experience of playing in the IPL.”

The big worry for Bangladesh side is No. 3 batting position as many players trying and failing, and Mahmudullah said, “The No. 3 batting position has been playing on our minds for some time now. Sabbir Rahman had been doing well at that position, however in the past few games, the runs haven't really come but that is understandable, there'd be such phases for everyone. We back him to do well always. Tomorrow, you will see who we will play at No. 3 because even Liton [Das] batted well in the practice game.”

He signed off by saying, “We have lost a T20 series, a tri-nation series but that shouldn't force us to change everything. In fact, we had started the tri-series well but in the crunch situations later on, we lost our confidence somewhere. If we can revive that self belief, we will do well.”

Nidahas trophy 2018 schedule

March 6, 2018 – Sri Lanka vs India

March 8, 2018 – India vs Bangladesh

March 10, 2018 – Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh

March 12, 2018 – Sri Lanka vs India

March 14, 2018 – India vs Bangladesh

March 16, 2018 – Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh

March 18, 2018 – Final