BAN v ZIM 2018: Mashrafe Mortaza not worried about the first ODI collapse

The second ODI will be played on Wednesday (October 24).

Kayes and Saifuddin were involved in a match-winning seventh-wicket 127-run partnership in the first ODI against Zimbabwe | AFP

Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza is not worried about their batting-unit failure in the first One Day International of the three-match series against Zimbabwe, as it displayed the great character of the lower middle-order and helped them strengthen the particular batting order.

Imrul Kayes, who scored a match-winning century, Mohammad Saifuddin (half century) stitched a brilliant seventh-wicket stand added 127 runs together to help Bangladesh avoid some embarrassment by winning the first ODI by 28 runs against Zimbabwe.  

Mortaza told reporters on Tuesday (October 23) in Chittagong, “There are two sides to it [top-order failure]. I am rather happy that Saifuddin scored runs because these kinds of the situation [batting collapse] help us to see the [lower-order] potential. It is true that it is not an ideal position, but unless these kinds of situations arise their confidence won't be raised. With some other team, as the top-order clicks their middle order is not exposed but in our case, even our late order is exposed. We could make a comeback and certainly, it will help us to go forward.”

On being asked whether he is bothered with the collapse because Bangladesh next play against the West Indies, New Zealand and Ireland as build-up for the World Cup 2018, Mortaza said, “You cannot expect that our batting will end with Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah all the time and in that sense it was a blessing in disguise as we had seen the strength of our lower order.”

With both Liton Kumar Das and Imrul Kayes scoring big runs for the country, Bangladesh is one step closer to finding Tamim Iqbal's ideal opening partner and Mortaza also sees some positives in it.

Although, the skipper admitted that the only remaining thing is of concern is that they are still unable to score above 300 and above and that the area they have to work on it.

He further added on the same, “The positive thing is that both the openers got a century in successive matches despite the unavailability of Tamim. We were struggling in this area.  The only area of concern is that we are unable to make 300 despite those hundreds. Probably because he [the hundred-hitting opener] is not receiving the support that is required.”

Mortaza signed off by saying, “We just have to be clinical, and find a way to win, while we are trying out a few guys who also have to perform. We also have to consider that this is the series-deciding game.”

(Input: Cricbuzz)

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 24 Oct, 2018

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