Pakistan bowlers looking forward to Bangladesh challenge, says captain Azhar Ali

Pakistan captain Azhar Ali has put his faith in his bowlers to excel in the series against Bangladesh.

Although the Pakistan bowling unit could not stop BCB XI in the warm-up match on Wednesday, Ali hopes his bowlers will put up a good show in the first ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Friday.

The match is set to start at 2:30pm local time.

“We have a young and very talented side. The youngsters are very excited,” he told reporters in a pre-match press conference.

“In the World Cup, I think our bowling attack was one of best. There is a bit of lack of experience but definitely we are looking forward to the challenge.”

Pakistan have left out pacer Sohail Khan, who took 12 wickets in the World Cup, out of the tour due to an injury. Junaid Khan has come in to replace him.

“Sohaib was unfortunate to be injured in a training session. I think the young player (Junaid) who replaced him is very talented and almost of same caliber.”

Pace spearhead Wahab Riaz is also in the squad while talismanic spinner Saeed Ajmal will be making his return in all three forms of the game in the series.

Pakistan lost to BCB XI in the warmup by one wicket in a thriller in Fatullah. But that does not worry the captain.

“It was a practice game. We tried a lot of things in that game. The good thing is we got everything in that game… It was a good practice game.”

Ali, who replaced Misbah-ul-Haq as Pakistan skipper, will be making his captaincy debut on Friday.

“I really feel excited about this challenge. I am really looking forward to my captaincy debut tomorrow. It will be a great opportunity for me to play in the ODI as well.”

The 30-year old was disinclined to take the Tigers lightly.

“Bangladesh have really improved in the last few months. I think, they’re playing very well together.”

Pakistan are going through a transformation period in cricket. Their coach Waqar Younis made light of the matter.

“I don’t think it is difficult. It is always exciting to see some youngsters coming into the team. World Cup always brings changes,” said the former fast-bowlling great.

“Pakistan is fortunate that we got some serious talent in our country. We will probably see in the next couple of days and in the Test matches.”

Pakistan lack the experiences of Misbah, Younis Khan and Umar Akmal in their batting line-up.

That made way for young blood like Babar Azam and Sami Aslam into the squad.

“We have got guys who have played for Pakistan in the past. Couple of them are new. But that’s how you expose youngsters.”

Waqar, however, conceded that Bangladesh are favourites.

“Yes, they are favourites…We are a young side. We don’t mind that. We are in the transition period.”

Memories of Pakistan’s defeat against Bangladesh in the 1999 World Cup group stage is still on his mind.

“We still remember that. I remember everything. I played the only game in the 1999 World Cup. Bangladesh played really well.

“They were a better side on the day. We were a fine side but on that particular day, Bangladesh was too good for us.”