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Bangladesh vows to keep winning momentum going
NEW DELHI, Nov 4, 2019 (BSS)-Bangladesh is looking to keep the winning
momentum going after clinching a memorable victory in the first T20 against
India that came at a moment when the country’s cricket was at lowest ebb
following star performer Shakib Al Hasan’s ban and players’ unprecedented
strike against the home board.
Those off-the-field scuffle grabbed Bangladesh at the time when they were
gearing up for the tour in India, which is always considered as toughest for
any country in the world.
But such was the magnitude of their seven-wicket victory, their first
against India in this format in ninth attempt that Bangladesh is now looking
for series victory as they head towards Rajkot, which will host the second
match on November 7.
“First match is important in any series. We always want to start the
series with winning note,” Bangladesh senior batsman Mushfiqur Rahim who led
the side’s victory in first T20 said here on Sunday.
“We tried out best to start off the series well so that we can gain the
momentum early and keep it. That was happened what we wanted. Now our target
is to keep it going,” he added.
Mushfiqur said Bangladesh’s victory came on the back of some well-planned
strategy. He however disclosed how they planned in the last three overs when
it looked India had the similar advantage on winning the game.
“Last three overs were dead overs and those were crucial because Chahal
was there. At least we needed couple of fours in his over to make it easier
in the last two overs. The 19th over was really crucial over. All the plan
went well in our way and we played really well in last couple of overs,” he
pointed out.
He said their initial plan was to play compete in each and every game and
they are keen to stick to it.
“We came here, to compete in each and every game. But as long as you are
playing consistent cricket and improving day by day, that’s our main goal,”
he said.
At the same time, Mushfiqur added that they still need to improve in some
areas if they want to clinch the series.
“But personally I think we can improve in couple of areas. We need to
improve there in last portion of bowling. So if we improve in those areas and
play better from what we did today then there is nothing which is impossible.
We will try our level best to compete against India.”
He also stressed upon the requirements of keeping the consistency in
batting too.
“It is very important. In T20, a top four needs to be there to finish the
innings, whether you are setting a target or chasing. That was our plan. And
we did that. And it is important to carry on the good form in the next games.
So it’s very difficult to predict but I will try best to put a good show in
the next games.”
Mushfiqur who termed the last two weeks in Bangladesh cricket as toughest
in his 15-year long career, said the team needs good result indeed to bring
the country’s cricket out of the off-the-field scuffle.
“In my 15 years career, these two three weeks it was the toughest. Before
I left Bangladesh, I said everything come in right track if we win some
matches. That’s what we have done and we will try continuing this form.”
BSS/SMP/MSY/1303 hrs