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BENONI. – Bangladesh cricket captain Mushfiqur Rahim said his team were approaching their tour of South Africa with confidence after playing well in recent years.

Rahim said he wanted his team to build on their form in home matches, including Test wins over England and Australia in the past year.

“Bangladesh has been playing really well in the last couple of years,” he said.

“The first target is to keep that intensity going. When we are playing at home we are really confident.

“It’s not going to be easy, but this is our next step. We want to do well in Africa as well. It is a great opportunity for us.”

Rahim admitted that the unavailability of all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan for the two Tests against South Africa was a blow.

“Shakib is a special player and no-one can replace him,” he said.

He acknowledged that meeting the challenge of South Africa’s fast bowlers in local conditions would be crucial. How we cope with the fast bowlers is key to our success,” he said.

“But players like Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudullah, Sabbir Rahman and Mominul Haque have improved a lot as individuals and hopefully they will take their responsibility to the middle.” – AFP.