Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha said on Wednesday that they are well aware of high aspirations and expectations regarding the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup but insisted they are not looking too far ahead.

The Tigers left Dhaka for USA on Wednesday night to take part in a three-match T20I series that will conclude their preparation for the showpiece event, scheduled in USA and West Indies from June 2.

Bangladesh clinched the five-match T20 series against Zimbabwe by a 4-1 margin but still, there are areas of concern for the Tigers as they hardly could dominate in all departments in any game of the series.

Bangladesh will be eyeing to get the most from the three matches against USA as it will allow them to adapt to the condition considering they hardly have the experience of playing there apart from the three T20I against West Indies in Florida in 2018.

“Yeah, it’s all about getting used to the condition of that country because we have never been, I mean, I don’t think anyone has been there. Playing in USA is very new for everybody. So, getting information about the condition, getting used to the climate and the different time zones, things like that,” Hathurusingha told reporters at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.

“It’s more important for us in training and as well as matches. In the games, we all want to win, regardless of what games we play. Probably try a few combinations that we still think we want to try. But then, when I say try, we have to give rest to the key players as well,” he said.

“So, we keep in mind that workload as well as keeping them fresh physically and mentally. But, the main focus is understanding the condition in USA,” he said, adding that they are also aware of the expectations.

“I understand we as a country now, have high aspirations because we have been playing good cricket generally out of ICC events. It’s the same. We have high expectations as players and the staff as well as the fans and the country. The first step is to get through this difficult group stage. We are in a very strong group. Then we take, if we get through that one, that’s the main target, first one, and then we’ll take it from there,” he added.

Meanwhile, skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto insisted that they have taken good preparations for the tournament and hope to do well if individuals can perform their duty. 

“If our preparation and team combination is taken into account, I think it is a very good team. It is important to perform their individual duty during the particular day. I am sure they will deliver,” said Najmul, adding that both he and Liton should be among runs before the tournament.

“Liton and I should score runs in every game. We didn’t want a new player to come into the side at the last moment. We wanted to take our team to the World Cup. We have a clear mind in the team, so we hope we will deliver in the tournament,” he said.