DHAKA, May 27, 2025 (BSS)- Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons hoped that the 
stunning 2-1 loss to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in three-match T20 
International series would act as a fuel for his side to come all guns 
blazing against Pakistan.

Bangladesh will play a three-match T20 International series against Pakistan, 
starting tomorrow (Wednesday) and Simmons believes his side is still capable 
of winning the series.

 "It was difficult to lose the series in the UAE, but then sometimes that 
lifts you up. Our morale has been great, so we are hopeful (the result in the 
UAE) will lift us up," Simmons said during a practice session under lights in 
Lahore, Pakistan.

"I think there's always a great chance of winning the series. People 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," the head coach added.

"We are working hard very hard to try to improve in all aspects. Hopefully we 
get better in this series, Simmons continued.

Pakistan have managed to win only three of their last 13 T20Is, two against 
minnows Zimbabwe, and slumped to eighth in the T20I rankings since the 2024 
T20 World Cup.

In contrast, in this period, Bangladesh, which are ranked ninth, have won 
just four of their last 12 T20Is and lost series against lower-ranked United 
States (2024) and the UAE earlier this month.

Citing the bowling attack as their stronger suit in this format, Simmons 
expects that his pace bowling attack will prop up their game in absence of 
senior pacers Taskin Ahmed and Mustfizur Rahman.

"Our bowling is usually our stronger suit in this format. But having two 
senior bowlers, Taskin and Fizz, out, then it balances off," Simmons said.

Both of the senior pacers were out with injury. Taskin has been in rehab now 
after suffering from an ankle injury that has kept him out of competitive 
cricket for the last two months.
 
Mustafizur picked up a thumb injury in his last IPL game for Delhi Capitals 
last week.

"As we saw, how Fizz (Mustafizur) was bowling in the IPL then. We will miss 
him. It is also a chance for somebody to take his place in this series," he 
said, adding that he hopes someone will take the mantle to fill the shoes of 
Mustafizur.

"Let's hope one of the bowlers decide that he wants to fill in for Fizz in 
this series," Simmons remarked.

Fast bowling coach Shaun Tait has already joined the side in Lahore for his 
first assignment after being appointed for two years.
"I think Tait will be brilliant not just for the bowlers, but for the team in 
general. We will assess the situation here," Simmons added.