Shakib urges Bangladesh to forget past record

Shakib Al Hasan wants Bangladesh to forget their past record against Pakistan as they target a win in the ODI series that begins on Friday. He urged the side to go into the first ODI with a winning mentality, which he felt was missing in their previous games against Pakistan.

Bangladesh's win-loss record against Pakistan is the most lop-sided for them against any team in ODIs, with just one win in 32 games.

"I think our approach is fine," Shakib said. "We will definitely target a win. I don't know what anyone else is thinking. If we go into a game thinking we won't win because we have never won in the past, then we can never win. We have to change this way of thinking. Bangladesh cricket will be at a standstill if we think it won't happen, as it didn't happen in 16 years."

That one win came in the 1999 World Cup in a famous game in Northampton where Bangladesh - in their first World Cup - beat Pakistan by 62 runs. Pakistan coach Waqar Younis recalled that Bangladesh were better in that match.

"I remember everything about that match," Waqar said. "I played the only game in the 1999 World Cup. Bangladesh played really well. They were a better side on the day. We were a fine side but that particular day Bangladesh was too good for us."

Pakistan have not lost any of the 25 ODIs against Bangladesh since that match, including five 100-plus-run wins and a 10-wicket victory, too. Waqar felt Bangladesh have improved vastly since those days.

"Since then we have had a lot of success against Bangladesh but I am not saying it is going to happen again," Waqar said. "They have developed a fine side from even before the World Cup. They have produced some good results. They have beaten most sides in the world. We won't take them easily or lightly. We want the youngsters to get the experience and we will look to win the series."

The last three matches between the sides, all in Mirpur, have been close encounters with Pakistan winning all the games. Shakib remembers the two Asia Cup games in 2012, particularly the final which Bangladesh lost by two runs. It was a heart-breaking defeat that left several Bangladesh players in tears.

"It all started when Mushfiqur bhai started crying," Shakib said with a smile. "I remember the 2007-08 tour to Pakistan, also the 2012 Asia Cup matches. We could have won both games (in the Asia Cup). We also got very close in 2014, but we couldn't win. If luck is on our side and if we can give our best, then anything is possible."

Shakib praised Pakistan's pace attack but believed the Bangladesh batsmen can counter them. "There is no doubt about their world-class bowling attack. But we strongly believe that we also have world-class batsmen. It will be a good contest. Everyone is keen to give it their all," he said.

Waqar admitted Bangladesh are favourites, as Shakib had stated earlier in the month, but stressed that Pakistan, despite being short of experience, cannot be counted out of the contest before the start.

"Yes, they are favourites. I think he felt this way because we are a young side. We don't mind that," Waqar said. "We are in the transition period. We are playing Bangladesh after a while. If he is confident, fair enough. But we are not lacking anything. We have a disciplined side with match-winners."