DHAKA, Dec 14, 2024 (BSS)-Bangladesh all-rounder Soumya Sarkar laid emphasis on playing as a team to beat West Indies in three-match T20 International series, a format which they are yet to decode properly.

The Tigers, as it was adorably called drew the two-match Test series 1-1, following their first victory on Caribbean Island since 2009. But the euphoria of the Test victory was evaporated after being whitewashed in the three-match ODI series.

When they are swept in their favourite ODI format, little gave them a chance to win the T20 series in which they have won just five matches against West Indies in 16 meetings.

But contrary to popular belief, Soumya categorically said if they can play as a team, it is still possible to win the T20 series.

"No doubt, they are a good side in T20 format. But it's the format, there is nothing like big or small team or favouite team. If we can play to our potential, and if we can put up a team performance, I think we can win the series," Soumya said in a video message sent by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) today.

"The team who play good cricket throughout the 40 overs, will win. Therefore we should do well in all three aspects--batting, bowling and fielding. As I said earlier, if we can play well as a team, we hope to beat them comfortably."

A few days ago, Soumya played for Rangpur Riders in the Global Super League T20 in West Indies. Soumya was adjudged the best of the tournament after leading his side to win the title. Moreover, he also did well in ODI series even though Bangladesh suffered a clean sweep.

"First of all, I came here a few days ago. I played in the Global T20 League. I also got the opportunity to play a few matches. It was a good opportunity for me. There was a good tournament out there. I hope I can use my experience to help the side in T20 series," he remarked.

However, the disappointment of the ODI series is coming back to haunt them. After racking up 295 runs in the first ODI, Bangladesh failed to win despite amassing a record 321 runs in the third and final ODI. The batting failed in the second ODI miserably. Although the batters scored as expected, the bowlers disappointed this time. Soumya hopes that the bowlers will come back stronger, leaving aside the ODI disappointments.

Before being swept by West Indies, Bangladesh also lost a series to Afghanistan.

"We have been playing well in the ODIs but the last two or three series, we haven't been good enough. Amid the disappointment, there is one good thing in that too---we batters are now used to scoring 300 runs. This is also a good aspect. Our bowlers have always been good, but they may have struggled a little in this series."

"I hope they (Bowlers) will make a comeback in the upcoming T20s. Besides, if the batters can maintain the consistency, then it will be a good series for us," he concluded.