‘I don’t point fingers at youngsters’

Kusal Perera..............120

Sri Lanka seemed to have found the right mixture of aggression and composure in their game in the final ODI and it culminated in them clinching 10 crucial points for the ODI Super League, welcome respite even as the series ended 2-1 in favour of Bangladesh.

"Badly needed win, but we lost the series. Our bowling department did a really good job. Our only concern in the first two games was the batting. Otherwise fielding and bowling we have done well. Some of the guys coming into touch is a good sign," Lankan captain Kusal Perera, who guided his team with a ton yesterday, said during the post-match presentations.

The Tigers had wanted to play the perfect game but in reality faced far steeper circumstances with the bat yesterday. Their surrender was almost meek against Sri Lanka, ravaged by Dushmantha Chameera's fifer. Skipper Tamim Iqbal said there were areas that needed to be worked on.

"As I said at the end of the last game and beginning of this game, we have won the series but I thought we never played a complete game. We didn't play to our potential in this series. After winning the series, I can tell you there are a few areas to work on."

Tamim felt Sri Lanka were allowed to get away with some missed chances in the field and they proved costly.

"They had a very attacking mindset coming into this game and we helped them do that. We bowled too short. We didn't grab our opportunities, missed two catches at important times, and could have probably got 30 runs less to chase," Tamim felt.

Mosaddek Hossain and Mahmudullah Riyad fifties flattered to deceive that there were no difference-making performances from the young names. Asked if it was a worry, Tamim said: "It is, but I am someone who keeps believing in youngsters. I don't point fingers at them, because I know how hard they try."

Despite no rescue mission from Mushfiqur Rahim in the final ODI, he said he really enjoyed the pressure. "Sri Lanka are not an easy side to play against, they never give up and come hard. I really enjoyed (the pressure),' Mushfiqur said.