Bangladesh target Pakistan upset

Bangladesh's captain and coach, Shakib Al Hasan and Jamie Siddons, are targeting a victory against Pakistan in their opening game of the ICC World Twenty20 on May 1.

"I think there is a possibility for us to beat Pakistan because, at the moment, Pakistan cricket is unsettled with different kinds of crisis and injury problems," Shakib said in Mirpur, prior to the team's departure. "So we have to do something in the first match if we want to play the second round, but that doesn't mean we play bad cricket against other group opponents Australia."

Siddons also felt Pakistan was Bangladesh's best chance but said they would have to play sharp cricket nonetheless. "Both Pakistan and Australia are tough opponents but realistically we have a chance against Pakistan but in that case we need to play well," he said. "The preparation is good and I must say it was much better than the last occasion. The players got the opportunity to play two tournaments - PCL and NCL - recently, which is really good. Some players missed out on runs but I think the wicket was low and slow. But definitely the boys will get consistent pace while playing in Barbados."

Bangladesh had a poor World Twenty20 in England in 2009, getting eliminated in the first round after losing group matches to India and Ireland. Shakib, however, was also pleased with his team's preparation this time. "Nothing could have been better than playing matches before any tournament. I think our preparation is good this time and most importantly we have been playing good cricket for last few months and hope it will continue in West Indies and as well as in the England tour."