Former captain Mashrafe bin Mortaza praised Bangladesh's historic T20I series win against world champions England as something different than other feats achieved in the past.
Right after Bangladesh's emphatic four-wicket win in the second game of the three-match series at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium Sunday, Mashrafe took to his social media account to praise the achievement.
Bangladesh previously won Twenty20 international series' at home against Australia 4-1, New Zealand 3-2 and now England by 2-0 with a game to spare.
Mashrafe has been impressed with the intent and aggressive attitude shown by the team formed with young cricketers under the captaincy of Shakib al Hasan and newly appointed coach Chandika Hathurusigha.
The series is Bangladesh's first T20I assignment since the T20 World Cup in Australia last year.
“Bangladesh have now picked up series wins at home against Australia, New Zealand and England. But this win [against England] is different because the team is full of young cricketers, in one word - brilliant,” said Mashrafe in the post.
“It was important to reset the T20I team and Hathurusingha along with Shakib have done that very well. This team will struggle on good wickets but we should be patient.
“The young ones should be given enough opportunity to play and slowly this team will develop as a good team InShaaAllah. It took a bit of time but the change is right and was needed. This is my personal opinion. [Nazmul Hossain] Shanto you beauty, [Mehedi Hasan] Miraz you have been outstanding, the whole bowling unit was brilliant. Congratulations Bangladesh,” Mashrafe added.
Having secured the series, Bangladesh will eye a whitewash when they take on the English side in the third and final game of the series in Mirpur Tuesday.