Harmanpreet, Nigar refuse to get drawn into past results

Nooshin Al Khadeer, Indian national women's team head coach, said on Saturday (July 8) that they are not looking to experiment against Bangladesh in the three-match T20I series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium from July 10.

India are favourites to clinch the series and are far ahead of their opponents in terms of ranking; India are the fourth ranked side in T20Is whereas the hosts are placed well below at number-nine.

So far, Bangladesh and India have played 13 games between them, with India winning 11 matches out of them and Bangladesh winning the remaining two.

"Well, I don't see that happening (experimentation) because for us, every match is important and there is nothing like experiment. We want to play our best side because the whole idea is to win," Khadeer told reporters ahead of the series opener.

"And I'm sure Bangladesh also is also going to have the same attitude. So, it's never an experiment or I would say, experimenting is never a motivation.

"Things have changed over time and obviously they have for Bangladesh cricket too. I have seen in the Under-19 and the Emerging teams. They sent about six Under-19 cricketers for the seniors' World Cup. It just shows how much cricket has grown over time in Bangladesh," she said.

"That itself is a very positive thing. And then in the Emerging tournament, we had to play the finals against them, some good attitude they have shown over a period of time. So step by step, I think the subcontinent teams have really been doing well. If you see, Sri Lanka has beaten New Zealand recently, so what other proof do you need? These things indicate to India to really do well and not experiment actually."

Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur echoed the same sentiments, adding that she is well aware that they will be met by some stiff opposition from Bangladesh playing in their own backyard.

"They are a very good side and they always play really good cricket in home conditions," said Kaur. "They are very competitive when they are playing good cricket and we just want to keep things very simple. Whatever things always gave us a result, we just want to focus on that. We are not going to think who is better, who is bad. We just want to focus on the good cricket and that is our goal."

Bangladesh skipper Nigar Sultana in turn said that they are eyeing for an important win against India that can change the momentum for the team going forward.

Bangladesh came close to beating India on many occasions but havent often managed to cross the line.

"If we can win the opening game you know how the tournament will go for you. There is nothing more than wins that motivate a team. Everything changes with the winning moment and we are looking for such a win," said Nigar.

"Why not win the series? Why can't we win the series? We have all the artillery in our possession that can help us win the series and we need to be positive," she said. "We are not thinking whether India is strong or weak. If we think too much about opponent, in that case we will forget about our own strengths.

"I think our bowling attack is the best and if we can take our chances early and bowl according to our plan, in that case no one can be a threat for us," she said.

Nigar said that she is impressed with young Shorna Akhter, who came into the squad at the expense of experienced Rumana Ahmed but added that she feels the doors are not closed for the seniors. For context, Bangladesh did not pick Jahanara Alam in both ODIs and T20Is and many feel this is a new beginning for the women in red and green.

"I would say Shorna Akhter is a game changer and we have seen her potential in the Under-19, how she scores in pressure moments. We missed her in Sri Lanka due to injury but she made a strong comeback. She plays all over the ground and also bowls good leg spin, which is an advantage for us. If she does well it will be good for us," Nigar said.

"I think this team is for this series and look, who will come when and who will not be around will totally depend on the situation, we are not getting the seniors in this series but they can make a strong comeback later. Hopefully those who are in the squad will also perform well and make a strong claim to remain in the squad. The whole thing depends on the selection panel and they will do what is best for the team."