Bangladesh allrounder Mosaddek Hossain believes his team can draw significant motivation from their 2019 tri-series victory as they prepare for a fresh challenge in the United Arab Emirates. The upcoming campaign features matches against Afghanistan and Zimbabwe, serving as a vital testing ground for the Tigers. Mosaddek, who famously anchored the 2019 final in Ireland against the West Indies with an unbeaten 52, emphasized that replicating such success could provide a massive confidence boost for the squad ahead of future major tournaments. Seven years later, Mosaddek hopes that triumph will inspire Bangladesh ahead of another ODI tri-series.
The squad began their preparations at the Sheikh Abu Jayed Stadium on Thursday, October 15. During the session, all-rounder Mehidy Hasan was sidelined due to a mild fever. A team official clarified the situation, stating, “Nothing serious as he was having a slight fever and as it was day practice he was just given rest.”
Looking ahead to the upcoming matches, Mosaddek insisted that the team remains focused on the present rather than resting on past laurels. “If you talk about the 2019 tri-series, I would call it a source of inspiration. From that perspective, this is a good opportunity ahead of the Asia Cup and then the World Cup,” he told reporters in Abu Dhabi. He further cautioned against underestimating any opposition, noting that the modern game has leveled the playing field, making every match a rigorous test of performance. I would say our preparation is good. Pointing towards the increasingly competitive nature of international cricket. “Look, whether you talk about modern-day cricket or the way the game is played now, you cannot call any country or any team a small side, mosaddek added that Bangladesh cannot afford to take any team for granted.
This series marks a significant transition, as it serves as the first assignment for Litton Das as the full-time ODI captain. Having already led the side in the T20I format, Litton’s approach to the 50-over game is being closely watched as the team builds toward the 2027 ODI World Cup. Mosaddek praised the new skipper’s tactical acumen, saying, “He is a very exciting captain, and the way he reads the game while standing behind the stumps, as a wicketkeeper, is excellent. I think he will do well as captain, and as a team, Inshallah, we will prove that.”
To ensure alignment, the leadership has held internal discussions regarding player roles. Mosaddek noted that the team is clear about its responsibilities moving forward. Bangladesh’s opening fixture is scheduled against Zimbabwe in Abu Dhabi on October 17, followed by a clash with Afghanistan in Sharjah on October 21. For the players, success in these games is viewed as a bridge to easier challenges in the high-stakes tournaments that follow.
