Taking calculated risks will be crucial: Riyad

Mahmudullah Riyad underlined the importance of Bangladesh's batting depth in the endeavour to overcome the Afghan challenge in the coming three-match T20I series in Dehradun. As the series draws near and the Tigers settle into their training camp ahead of the new season, the focus has gradually shifted to Afghanistan's bowling strength and Mahmudullah, who has transformed himself into a fantastic T20 batsman since 2015, joined the chorus but exuded confidence in their batting.

"We already saw the video footage. Although I am yet to face Mujeeb [Ur Rahman] but I played against Rashid [Khan]. But once again I want to say that our batting depth is very much capable of facing their bowling variety. We just need to apply ourselves in the right way but it will be a challenging series," the elegant right-hander told reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday.

"We must focus on our batting strength. Our bowling is also good and we have some variety as we have Shakib [Al Hasan], [Nazmul Islam] Apu and [Mehedi Hasan] Miraz but it's different from them. I don't think there is any point talking too much about it and instead focus on our strengths so that we can perform like we did in the Nidahas Trophy. If we can take all the calculated risks that we took in the Nidahas Trophy then the positive results will come," he added.

Riyad emphasised upon the importance of playing good cricket regardless of the opposition. "I personally believe that there is no big or small team in T20 cricket because on a given day a team can beat any team no matter what their rankings are. The main thing is we have to play good cricket regardless of whether the opponents are Afghanistan, India or Australia. It is a format where there is little chance of comebacks, so a good start is important," he said.

After the three-match T20I series in Dehradun the Tigers will fly for West Indies to play two Tests, three ODIs and three T20I matches. The schedule has already been released and Riyad admitted that the series was also on their minds. "Of course, West Indies series are at the back of our minds but at this moment we are focusing on the white-ball challenge against Afghanistan because it's a very important series for us in terms of stepping up in the rankings," said Riyad.