South Africa Will Start As Favourites But That Suits Us Coming As Underdogs - Russell Domingo

Bangladesh team’s head coach Russell Domingo feels that South Africa will definitely be the favourites heading into the ODI series but that will only fuel Bangladesh and motivate them to perform well.

The two teams will play a 3-match ODI series starting on March 18. Since it is a format where Bangladesh has done well in the recent past, Domingo expects a hard-fought and close series when the two teams go head-to-head.

“We have definitely come here as underdogs, having not won a game here before. But we are confident in our one-day side. We have played well in this format for a long period of time. Players understand their roles. We are expecting a competitive series.”

“But South Africa, who beat India 3-0 recently, will definitely start as favourites. They are playing in their own conditions where they are a tough side to beat. They will start as favourites, but that suits us coming as underdogs. It gives us a great opportunity to do something special. We want to do something that no Bangladesh team has done here before,” Domingo told ESPNcricinfo ahead of the series.

“It is always difficult when he is not in the team” – Russell Domingo on Shakib

All-rounder Shakib al Hasan will be part of the South Africa tour, which comes as a huge relief for Domingo. Getting the balance in the playing XI right is tough to do without the southpaw’s presence, as per Domingo.

“Shakib balances our team. It is always difficult when he is not in the team – you are not sure if you need an extra bowler or extra batsman. It is great to have a player of his caliber around,” Domingo added.

Bangladesh ODI squad: Tamim Iqbal (Captain), Liton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hassan, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Yasir Ali Chowdhury, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Syed Khaled Ahmed.

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