'We're just thinking about winning series'

The scenario was totally different yesterday after Shakib Al Hasan's men took the unbeatable 2-0 lead in the five-match one-day series on Monday. Usually the Bangladesh cricket team found it hard to practice after their opponents dominated the proceeding but things have changed this time following the Tigers' brave show in the series which has created an opportunity for them to win the series against top-flight opponents for the first time.
When the Tigers passed the day in a relaxed mood, as it was optional practice day for them, their New Zealand counterparts turned to the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur and had a full-fledged training session.
The Black Caps will desperately try to bounce back in the series to at least salvage their pride but there was no shortage of confidence from the volte-faced Tigers on a first-ever series victory against top-ranked and full-strength opponents.
"The atmosphere is fantastic in the team after the 2-0 lead. We are not thinking of anything other than winning the series after the way we played in the first two games," said wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim, who along with middle-order batsman Rokibul Hassan came to Mirpur for a knock at the middle.
"We want to take the momentum into the next two games. There is an optional training session for us and that's why few of us came to the gym and we came here for some batting practice.
"I think New Zealand had a full training session as they are now down 0-2 in the series and that's why they definitely try to cope up with conditions especially as the World Cup matches will be held here [in the sub-continent]," added Mushfiqur.
It seems that the whole team has been reverberating with the same mantra: improving performance match-by-match.
"As Jamie (Siddons) said, we have set a target to improve match-by-match and that's our ultimate target in the series.
"And we know the success will automatically come if we can improve our performances," Mushfiqur echoed the sentiment of his coach Siddons and captain Shakib.
"Our bowling was not good in the first ten overs in the first match but we didn't make the same mistake in the second match. We however didn't bowl well in the Powerplay of the second game, so we have to be careful in the next games.
"There are lots of areas we can still improve and we are really focusing on it," he added.
He also said that they were looking for consistency in their performance and like his captain he also believes that this Bangladesh team is not depended on any particular player rather there are several performers in the team.
"You can't expect only one player to win a match for you. The team was depended on Ash [Mohammad Ashraful] and Mash [Mashrafe Bin Mortaza] previously but now there are a number of players who can win the game which is a big plus point for the team," said an excited Mushfiqur.
In recent times, the Bangladesh middle and late order has been struggling to contribute for the team as players like Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah Riyad were out of form. So definitely it is an area where coach Siddons would look to see some improvement.
"I'm working hard and I'm looking forward to get some runs if the teams needs it. I'm ready to bat in the top-order if the team management feels like that its necessary," said Mushfiqur.