For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
After losing the first T20I of the three-match series against India, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto admitted that their batters don't know how to score 180-plus runs in T20Is.
The captain also pointed to the home wickets on which they prepare for international cricket, though he acknowledged that the batters also lack the right approach at crucial moments in matches, according to UNB.
Before the T20I series, Bangladesh lost the two-match Test series against the hosts, meaning the Tigers have now lost all three matches of this ongoing tour.
Najmul expressed confidence that the team is capable of playing better cricket than they've shown so far against India. He conceded that the team has big room for improvement if they hope to prove their true potential.
"We have to make some changes," Shanto said, addressing the batting struggles. He suggested that the wickets at home don't prepare them to score competitive totals abroad.
"At home, we play on wickets that produce 140-150 runs," he said. "Our batters don't know how to score 180 runs. But it's not just the wickets to blame. We also need to consider skills and mentality."
Historically, Bangladesh has struggled in T20Is, rarely showing consistent performance in the format. Najmul, however, insisted that the team is better than they appeared in the first T20I in Gwalior.
To post competitive totals, a team must show some real plan in the powerplay. But Bangladesh has yet to resolve their powerplay approach. In this match, they reached only 39 for two during the powerplay, which ultimately did not provide a solid foundation.
Ahead of this series, Najmul said they were looking to prepare for the T20 World Cup 2026. After the first match, it's clear Bangladesh has much to consider as they look towards the World Cup.