Published on 12:00 AM, April 20, 2015

DAN Cake ODI Cricket Series

'We proved our worth'

YOU'RE ALREADY THIS TALL! Bangladesh wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim jokes with captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza's daughter Humaira after the second one-day international against Pakistan at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur yesterday. PHOTO: FIROZ AHMED

Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, after his team's series victory last night, said that he was happy that his side was able to continue the form that it displayed in the ICC World Cup.

"Had we won the New Zealand game in the World Cup it could have been more satisfactory.  But still the World Cup went well and we felt then that our next step would be very important.

Especially since we received a huge welcome after coming back here… so much so that at one point I even asked my self if it was too much. The fact was that everybody was supporting us so much… we needed to prove to them that they were doing the right thing," said Mashrafe, while speaking on the importance of the series victory.

"I am thankful to the boys for the way they changed their attitude," he added.

Mashrafe believed that this memorable win would allow them to further progress in international cricket.

The Bangladesh skipper also rubbished the notion that this Pakistan side is a weak one. "When we began the series, many, including our players, said that we were favourites. If you say that we thought that Pakistan was a weak side… that's not true.

"It always takes time when a team goes through a transitional period. But if you see their bowling attack, it's one of the best in the world. I won't say that there is much difference, the wickets also suit them as well," he said.

The paceman also highly praised his team's bowling effort in the second match as he believed that 239 was not a threatening score.

"Nowadays, 240 -- with these conditions and rules -- has become like 180. Maybe Shakib and I could have bowled better, but I thought Taskin, Rubel and Arafat were really good. We never thought that it would be difficult to chase this target down," said Mashrafe.

Mashrafe said that they put up almost perfect displays in the first two games and that the team is now hoping for a 3-0 finish.