Couldn't execute our plans: Mash
Did Bangladesh's tendency to experiment get the better of them? With Tamim Iqbal rested and four debutants included in the squad, that was the most popular question doing the rounds in the press box after the Tigers endured a thumping defeat in the third T20I against Zimbabwe at the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium in Khulna yesterday.
While Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Bin Mortaza did admit that it was always going to be 'difficult' to win the game with the new players in the squad, he blamed his side's inability to play as per the plan for the defeat.
“From the outside it will seem like that because we had four new players and a change. But honestly speaking these players were asked to be mentally prepared in the last few days.
“On the whole, we weren't up to the mark and we couldn't execute our plans,” said Mashrafe.
“As a captain, the biggest thing for me is to win the match and the same goes for the team. None of us wanted to lose the game,” he added.
From promoting debutant Mosaddek Hossain to four to giving Imrul Kayes a go ahead of Tamim Iqbal, the team management, according to Mashrafe, wanted to provide these players with enough game-time in order to test them.
Mohammad Shahid, Abu Haider and Muktar Ali were the three other debutants.
“I don't want to name players and speak about their performances individually. Four of them have just started their careers. But it was a little difficult to observe all these players in a single T20 encounter,” said Mashrafe.
The skipper also said that the rains had made things a bit difficult for the hosts.
“The ball started gripping a lot more in the second innings and that made it difficult for us to chase,” said Mashrafe.
Zimbabwe batsman Malcolm Waller though disagreed with Mashrafe and said that the visitors faced difficulties as well since their bowlers couldn't grip the ball properly.
The Zimbabwean further said that the victory had lifted the spirit of his team, which had been desperately hunting for a win.
“It's very nice. The guys are very happy. Back in the change room there are lots of smiles and laughter. I think in the last few days we had games that we probably should have won and didn't quite get over the line.”
The Zimbabwean believes that the visitors have the capability to draw the series now.
“The next game is very important. Being 2-1, we are going to come to the ground and try and do exactly what we did today. I think the guys know their roles and they stuck to it today,” he said.
When asked if the team management was surprised with the hosts employing so many changes, Waller said: “No. I am sure they are going through the same process we are. They have got a few guys they want to look at for the World Cup. I am sure there will be more changes in the next match.”
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