Confident Saif wants to prove his mettle

Top order batsman Saif Hasan, who is considered as the next big thing of Bangladesh cricket, said he is confident to flourish if he get a chance.

Saif Hasan is a fantastic cricketer no doubt and in the recent NCL matches he has shown his full range of skills: a magnificent century against Ireland U23 team and a 127-run innings for Dhaka Division during NCL and a spectacular average of 43.37. However, it feels like he might be an unlucky player when it comes to earning a chance in the best XI.

He has regularly been around squads for the last two years but not getting ample opportunity to prove his mettle in Test cricket. He played just two Test matches so far and the last one was against Zimbabwe in 2020.

However, in a video message sent by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) from Sri Lanka on Thursday, Saif said he is ready to replicate his Ireland series and NCL form to the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka.

“I think we had a great preparation during West Indies series. Those who were sidelined had a very good time with practice. Then when we played against Ireland U-23, I was satisfied with the bat. Then before coming here (Sri Lanka) we had a very good preparation in the NCL. So, overall there was a very good preparation. Hopefully those performances will bring more confidence here to perform well.” Saif said.

“I think I have the confidence because I have done well in the recent matches. Although I did not get enough chances for national team, I am thoroughly enjoying good practice sessions with the team. We are focusing the upcoming inter-squad practice match because this is a great chance for us. I think every practice session is very important for us. The confidence level is high and if I get a chance, I will try to utilise it.”

With Tamim Iqbal and Shadman Islam is considered Tigers’ best opening pair in Test cricket and Test skipper Mominul Haque is all set to return to his favourite position at No 3, it is really difficult to see how he gets past the well-established Tamim-Shadman opening pair into the XI.

Tigers are all set to launch their two-match series opener on April 21 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy.