Despite registering a first-ever bilateral ODI series win over Sri Lanka with a game in hand, Bangladesh skipper Tamim Iqbal stated that they were lucky in getting past the hurdles without playing to their best in the first two games of the three-match series.
Although the Tigers will eye the important 10 available ICC ODI Super League points in the final game today, head coach Russell Domingo will also focus on the overall performance and emphasise specific areas.
The batting department has been more like a one-man show in the first two ODIs, with Mushfiqur Rahim guided Bangladesh to winning totals with scores of 84 and 125 after coming with the hosts in a desperate situation.
Seniors like skipper Tamim, Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah Riyad struck fifties in the first game to ensure Bangladesh could post a fighting total of 257 for six. In the second ODI, Mushfiqur struck his eighth ODI ton and ensured Bangladesh posted a formidable 246.
However, Bangladesh were in a spot of bother early on during both occasions at 99 for four and 74 for four in the ODIs respectively before Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah steadied the ship, adding 109 and 84 for the fifth wicket.
Talk of a lack of consistency from relatively younger players will persist, however, after those weak links in the batting department were exposed in the wins.
Liton Das continued a poor run with the bat, scoring 0 and 25. He is yet to score a 50 in his last eight innings, three of which have been ducks.
The team management is also struggling to find a suitor for the number five position. Mosaddek Hossain failed after replacing Mohammad Mithun — another inconsistent batsman, who scored a duck in the first game.
Mahmudullah, who has been in good touch and scored 54 and 41 in the two ODIs, said that the Tigers were looking to put up a better showing in all departments in the third and final game today.
“Obviously winning the series 3-0 will be our target. But I think we were unable to play our best cricket whether it was in the batting or bowling department. We had a discussion and I hope we will be able to play our best cricket,” Mahmudullah said after training at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday
“I personally feel that our top order collapsed and the middle and late order also couldn’t perform and in the slog overs as well in the first game. I think we need to keep that in mind and perform accordingly. We are looking forward to it.”
The 35-year-old added that he felt the fittest he had in his career and that he was trying to becoming more consistent as a batsman.
“As I bat at number six so at times, my innings of 30 or 40 remain uncountable. But as I said, I try to bat according to the situation and contribute for the team. At the same time, I also share my experience with the likes of Afif Hossain, who also bats in the lower middle order. I think they are very much capable and at times perform and sometimes fail,” he added.