DHAKA, Oct 17, 2025 (BSS)-Bangladesh head coach Phill Simmons termed Saif Hassan as the 'surprise package' and said he waited to see a century from the 
batter who shone bright in the side's tour in United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently amid his colleagues' dismal show.

"Saif is definitely a surprise package with the ball because I didn't expect him to do so well with the ball since he came here," Simmons said here today as Bangladesh gear up for West Indies series.

"But I've seen his batting before and it's great that he's come here and shown what he can do. And you can say it's a surprise package, but we knew 
about him and he's taken advantage of the opportunities he's had and it's great for us to see."

"He's been doing one good performance after another. I'm looking forward to his first ODI century later."

Simmons said Saif can be used as sixth bowler alongside Shamim Patwari, a thing that would make their team combination flexible.

"I think Saif and Shamim can help with the bowling and they can both play the role of the sixth bowler," he opined.

"I can say that about the bowlers and I agree with you, I think there's potential for them to fill some overs as the sixth bowler."

Further citing Saif as utility player, Simmons said they can float him around anywhere in the line up, paving a way to play extra player.

Saif was used as opener in the Asia Cup and Afghanistan series after Parvez Hossain Emon was injured.

"Emon has a little injury that we are trying to make sure he gets back to full fitness. I think we are still looking for that ideal pairing," Simmons 
said.

"It's great that Saif has come in and batted like that, but you know Saif is one of those utility players who can bat anywhere. So, it's good that he has 
come in and done that, but we are still looking for that ideal pairing."Building a stable opening pair for the next World Cup is imperative, Simmons 
said.

"I would definitely say it is a building process. We are starting something, we are starting to build something for the 2027 World Cup. So, it is a 
building process, when we find the right pairing, we will start working with them," Simmons, a former West Indies player, remarked. 

"When we find the right combination, we will start working with them. And here and there some players will drop out, maybe because of form, maybe 
someone else is doing well, but it is a process that we are continuing."