‘Bangladesh better than South Africa at the moment’

Former Bangladesh coach Dave Whatmore feels that the upcoming T20I series between Bangladesh and India will be an exciting one and said that currently Bangladesh are a better side than South Africa.

Bangladesh cricket had to deal with issues of players' strike and although the matter was brought to a positive conclusion ahead of the tour of India, there also remains the decision by the Bangladesh Cricket Board on the matter of Test and T20 skipper Shakib Al Hasan signing a deal with mobile operator without informing the board.

South Africa drew the T20 series 1-1 after the first of the three-match T20I series was abandoned. Whatmore believes Bangladesh can make the upcoming series interesting. "The series will be an interesting one. Bangladesh are at the moment a better side than South Africa.

Their players have been in a lot of T20 leagues. That will come in handy for them. Plus, they have always been a dangerous side. They can upset calculations on a given day. So, no dull moments," Dav Whatmore was quoted as saying by The New Indian Express.

Whatmore also was excited about the fact that a big opponent like India can bring out the best in skipper Shakib Al Hasan. "He is a complete all-rounder now. He was in good form in the World Cup. I am sure that a series against a top team like India will make him give his best," said the 65-year-old.

The Sri Lankan also felt that Mustafizur Rahman might be able to get some help from the wickets in India. "He is a top-class bowler. The wickets could help him bowl quick. He will be key for Bangladesh's success. Some Indian batsmen have struggled against left-arm seamers. If Mustafizur gets his lengths right and is consistent, he could be among wickets."