Phil Simmons Says Bangladesh Aim To Make New History in Upcoming Pakistan Series

Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons believes the Tigers can script a new history against Pakistan, just like they did in the famous 2024 series. However, Simmons is not taking the burden of that performance, as he is backing the side to come up with a fresh mindset to challenge the visitors.

Talking about Shaheen Shah Afridi, he just wants to forget that series, as it was a disappointing one for Pakistan. He feels that whatever has happened in the past should stay there, as the team now has a chance to take on Bangladesh on their home ground.

"Personally, the past is in the past, and I do not want to dwell on it. Our goal is to focus on the present and the future. We are preparing ourselves to win the [World Test] Championship, not just a single series; our collective goal is much larger. We have to play our best cricket.” said Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi.

"First of all, we have to use the conditions well. We have seam bowlers, such as [Muhammad] Abbas bhai and Khurram [Shahzad]. They are coming here from county cricket, so they will be effective if there's a green track. Our goal is to take 20 wickets and win the match." added Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Meanwhile, Simmons who became the head coach of Bangladesh after the 2024 test series, says his team wants to achieve new highs against Pakistan in the upcoming matches.

"[The 2024 series] is history now. We want to make new history. It doesn't matter what happened then. Yes, you keep it in your mind because it gives you a boost, but it is a new game and a new place. We are in Bangladesh now, not Pakistan. We have to put those things behind us and focus on Friday.” said Phil Simmons.

"I think 90-95% expectations are from outside the dressing room. The media and the public have more expectations than we do in the dressing room. We prepare and look forward to playing; the expectations from the last series do not help us. We try to leave that outside the dressing room." added Phil Simmons.