Can Head Coach Simmons Inspire Bangladesh's Young Pacers Against Pakistan?

Lahore, May 27 (NationPress) Bangladesh’s T20I preparations for the away series against Pakistan have encountered a major setback, as both key fast bowlers — Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed — are sidelined due to injuries. However, head coach Phil Simmons is resolute in transforming this challenge into an opportunity, urging his emerging pace bowlers to step up when the three-match series kicks off in Lahore on May 28.

Mustafizur suffered a thumb injury in his last match for Delhi Capitals during the IPL 2025, while Taskin is still on the mend from an ankle injury that has kept him off the field for more than two months. Their absence creates a noticeable gap in Bangladesh’s bowling lineup, which has historically been a strength in T20 cricket.

“You miss your senior seamers. As we saw, how Fizz was bowling in the IPL then. We will miss him,” Simmons remarked following the team’s practice session at Gaddafi Stadium on Monday. “But it is also a chance for somebody to take his place in this series. Let’s hope one of the bowlers decides that he wants to fill in for Fizz.”

With the two most seasoned quicks unavailable, the responsibility now lies with Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Hasan Mahmud, and newly added Khaled Ahmed, who has stepped in for Mustafizur. The selectors have not appointed a replacement for young Nahid Rana, who withdrew for personal reasons.

Shoriful, who demonstrated flashes of his talent during Bangladesh’s recent series against the UAE, is anticipated to spearhead the seam attack. The left-arm quick was one of the few bright spots for the visitors in that 2-1 series loss, particularly under challenging conditions where dew complicated matters for bowlers.

“It was tough to lose the series in UAE, but sometimes that can elevate your spirit. Our morale is high, so we are optimistic that the outcome in UAE will spur us on,” Simmons stated. “People keep saying Pakistan are not performing well. Ultimately, it’s about what happens on the day. We have a good chance of winning the series here.”

Bangladesh’s aspirations also rely on the balance that off-spinning allrounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz brings to the squad. He joins as a replacement for Soumya Sarkar, who is also injured. Miraz’s inclusion strengthens both the bowling and lower middle-order batting, offering Simmons greater flexibility in his lineup.

Another positive for the touring team is the arrival of new fast bowling coach Shaun Tait. The former Australian speedster, renowned for his aggressive pace and short-ball tactics, has joined the team in Lahore for his inaugural assignment following a two-year appointment. Tait’s experience in the PSL — where he worked with Karachi Kings this season — is expected to be instrumental in strategizing against the Pakistani batsmen.

“I believe he (Tait) will be exceptional not just for the bowlers, but for the team overall,” Simmons commented. “Mushy (Mushtaq Ahmed) was involved in the PSL throughout, so we will gain insights from him to inform our decisions.”

Mushtaq Ahmed, Bangladesh’s spin bowling coach, collaborated with Peshawar Zalmi during the PSL and is anticipated to provide valuable insights into player matchups.

Despite their bowling challenges, Bangladesh’s coaching staff remains optimistic that the team can rebound from the UAE setback and pose a challenge to the hosts in Lahore. All three matches of the series — on May 28, 30, and June 1 — will be played under lights at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.