All positive from Bashar's end
Bangladesh outclassed Zimbabwe in the three-match ODI series to continue their success in their favoured 50-over format under inspirational leader Mashrafe Bin Mortaza despite the absence of two key players --Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan. However, although there is hardly any scope to be overjoyed with the success when one considers the strength of Zimbabwe's bowling attack, it undoubtedly brought relief to the Tigers' think-tank as their options at different positions increased and wins always act as a confidence-boost for any team. Former national captain-turned-selector Habibul Bashar provided some insights to The Daily Star. Below are the highlights of that conversation.
On the ODI whitewash: It was important for the team to win the series by a 3-0 margin without Shakib and Tamim to establish that we are now well ahead of Zimbabwe. There is always a pressure when we play a team like Zimbabwe as nobody expects anything other than a win. Zimbabwe were not that bad but we played good cricket all through the series and you have to give full marks to the boys.
Contrasting the batting with the bowling: Batting-wise it was a fruitful series no doubt as the top-order gave us some relief ahead of busy international schedules.
Bowling-wise we might not have done that well comparatively but there were still some positives. It was nice to see Mustafizur [Rahman] tried seam-up deliveries in the series.
[Mehedi Hasan] Miraz bowled well but was a bit expensive. Miraz however is a fighter and will come back strongly in the next series. The most refreshing fact was the death over bowling in the series and we must thank Saifuddin and Rony [Abu Hider] for that. Apu [Nazmul Islam] looked good but basically there was hardly anything in the Chattogram wickets.
Mash [captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza] was not in full rhythm and it might happen due to injury problems but Mash is Mash and he will come back strongly in the next series, no doubt.
About Imrul's run-spree: Imrul [Kayes] was unbelievable. The highlight of his performance was his patience, which helped him play big knocks. If you go through his earlier performances you will see that he suddenly lost his composure to spoil a good start but that was not case this time. His batting consistency was amazing.
The biggest positive: The biggest positive in the series was the performance of all-rounder Saifuddin. We had been looking for someone like him for long and it's nice to see the young man show glimpses of hope to solve the pace-bowling all-rounder problem ahead of World Cup next year.
Any negatives: It was very difficult to find anything negative from this series in that sense, but our fielding was not up to the mark. Fazle Rabbi also failed to click but that can happen in cricket.
There was also a lot of debate over the way Soumya [Sarkar] was called up, but you can enjoy this kind of luxury when you play at home. Finally, Soumya's hundred came as a relief as he is always in consideration.
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