Mustafizur sustained a thumb injury in his final game for Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2025. Taskin, meanwhile, continues to recover from an ankle injury that has kept him out of action for over two months. Their absence leaves a glaring hole in Bangladesh\u2019s bowling arsenal, traditionally the team\u2019s stronger suit in the T20 format.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cYou miss your senior seamers. As we saw, how Fizz was bowling in the IPL then. We will miss him,\u201d Simmons said after the team\u2019s practice session at Gaddafi Stadium on Monday. \u201cBut it is also a chance for somebody to take his place in this series. Let\u2019s hope one of the bowlers decides that he wants to fill in for Fizz.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In the absence of their two most experienced quicks, the responsibility now falls on the shoulders of Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Hasan Mahmud, and recently-added Khaled Ahmed, who has been drafted in as Mustafizur\u2019s replacement. The selectors have not named a replacement for young Nahid Rana, who pulled out citing personal reasons.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Shoriful, who showed glimpses of his form during Bangladesh\u2019s recent series against UAE, is expected to lead the seam attack. The left-arm quick was one of the few positives for the visitors in that 2-1 series defeat, especially in tough conditions where dew made life difficult for the bowlers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt was difficult to lose the series in UAE, but then sometimes that lifts you up. Our morale has been great, so we are hopeful the result in UAE will lift us up,\u201d Simmons said. \u201cPeople keep saying Pakistan are not playing well. Again, it is about what happens on the day. We have a good chance of winning the series here.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bangladesh\u2019s hopes also rest on the balance that off-spinning allrounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz brings to the side. He comes in as a replacement for Soumya Sarkar, who is out with injury. Miraz\u2019s inclusion bolsters both the bowling and lower middle-order batting, giving Simmons more flexibility with the playing XI.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Another boost for the touring party is the arrival of new fast bowling coach Shaun Tait. The former Australian speedster, known for his aggressive pace and short-ball strategy, joined the team in Lahore for his first assignment after being appointed to a two-year term. Tait\u2019s PSL experience \u2014 he worked with Karachi Kings this season \u2014 is expected to be valuable in planning against the Pakistani batters.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI think he (Tait) will be brilliant not just for the bowlers, but for the team in general,\u201d Simmons said. \u201cMushy (Mushtaq Ahmed) was in the PSL right through, so we will get information from him and make our decisions.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Mushtaq Ahmed, Bangladesh\u2019s spin bowling coach, worked with Peshawar Zalmi during the PSL and is expected to offer crucial insights into player matchups.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI think he (Tait) will be brilliant not just for the bowlers, but for the team in general,\u201d Simmons said. \u201cMushy (Mushtaq Ahmed) was in the PSL right through, so we will get information from him and make our decisions.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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