ZCZC
BSP-09
CRICKET-RIYAD-PERFORMANCE
Tigers seek ‘perfect performance’ to sweep Sri Lanka series
DHAKA, May 27, 2021 (BSS)—Although Bangladesh bagged the three-match ODI series by winning the first two matches against Sri Lanka, they are yet to put up a clinical performance, which remains a spot of bother for the side.
A day after the ODI captain Tamim Iqbal pointed out this problem, team’s senior player Mahmudullah Riyad also specifically noted this, saying they are still far from their perfect game.
Mahmudullah said they want to be clinical in all aspects in the third game as they are eying to sweep the series.
“I think overall we have not been able to play the best cricket yet. So we talked about it amongst ourselves,” Mahmudullah said here today.
“Since our target is to make it 3-0, we will try to play our best cricket. We personally think due to the collapse in top order and middle order in the last two matches, we couldn’t put up expected runs in the slog overs. I think we should perform a little better and rectify those mistakes and then we can put ourselves in a near perfect position.”
In both matches, Mushfiqur Rahim’s performance was key in helping Bangladesh compile a competitive total after a collapse. Incidentally both times, Mahmudullah was the partner of Mushfiqur to revive the innings. Mahmudullah scored 54 runs in the first match and followed it with 41. He is the one apart from Mushfiqur to be consistent in this series.
Mahmudullah said fitness is key behind such consistency and he is keen to keep up that.
“Looks like I’m at the best fitness level of my career. I have been working on it for the last two to three years. Trying to stay fit and I am regularly doing running, gym, extra running, extra gym … So these are the things I try to do. I try to keep myself fit,” he informed.
“At the same time, I’m trying to stay consistent. Which I always feel is to contribute to the team at the right time since I am batting at number six. So if I can contribute to the team at the right time, it is good for me and the team. And tomorrow is another chance, I will try to do better tomorrow.”
Mahmudullah said despite wrapping up the series, they are not feeling complacent as they are eying a whitewash and also 10 points of the match is important with qualification to the World Cup in mind.
“There is nothing like dead-rubber. Every match is important. Since qualifying for the World Cup is an issue, every match is equally important to us and since there is another chance, why not get 10 points? From what I said we are yet to give our best performance. So we will try to give that and try to win the match and take 10 points,” he remarked.
Mahmudullah however said that he tries to pass his knowledge to the next generation players, who are considered to take the place of the seniors like him, who are going to retire within four or five years.
“There are those who are batting in the late middle order and they are very capable. I talk to them almost all the time. I like to share my knowledge. I also think of their views from my point of view. And how to bat in the late middle order, what will be their role, so that we can give the best output for the team, we always notice and try. May be we can’t give it always but there is desire out there always.”
BSS/SMP/AU/17:00 hrs