ZCZC
BSP-17
CRICKET-MITHUN-ABILITY
Tigers rely on bowlers to level series against New Zealand
DHAKA, March 22, 2021 (BSS)- Bangladesh middle order batsman Mohammad
Mithun termed their bowling attack as ‘good enough’, saying that they could
rely on the bowlers to bounce back in the three-match ODI series against New
Zealand.
The Tigers lost the first game by eight wickets after being all out for
just 131 runs and so the second game in Christchurch, starting Tuesday 7 AM,
turned out to be a ‘must win’ match for them to stay alive in the series.
While Mithun had utmost belief on the bowlers, at the same time, he said
the batsmen must act properly to help the bowlers deliver the result.
“If you want your bowling unit to be successful, the batsmen must give them
a good target to defend,” Mithun said in a recorded video message sent by the
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) today.
“New Zealand literally comfortably chased the target in the last match as
we couldn’t score big total. They played all kinds of shot and played shot without any fear because
they knew that the target is small and they could get to it even if they loss
two or three wickets. I think our bowling attack is better than any other
time at this moment. If we, batsmen, could score a big total, the bowlers
will get the chance to prove their capability,” said Mithun.
Bangladesh came here with a big expectation this time as they oozed with
the confidence to beat New Zealand on their soil for the first time. But
Dunedin disaster stretched their losing streak in this country to 27 (14
ODIs, 9 Tests and 4 T20Is).
Mithun still believes that if they could play to their potential, the
Dunedin result won’t be repeated in Chrischurch.
“As we know, in Christchurch, the bounce will be carried less than the
other pitches of New Zealand but there will be pace. Nevertheless if the pace
is high, advantage is always for batsmen because ball will come to bat
properly. Now we believe if we can play to our ability and stay positive, the
Dunedin result won’t be repeated,” Mithun remarked.
“The batsmen should be more responsible and from top to down, everyone
should contribute. We know the first 10 overs are important but the irony is
we always lose the game here in first 10 overs. New Zealand generally
produces high scoring match so if we can’t score more than 260/270, it will
be tougher for us to give fight against them,” he added.
BSS/SMP/ARS/1730 hrs