A new-look Pakistan came into the ODI series against Bangladesh with doubts looming over their ability to challenge the home side. The tourists experienced drastic changes following the 2015 ICC World Cup and many correctly predicted that the Tigers would start as favourites due to the inexperience of the Pakistan squad.
All the doubts and worries proved to be correct as the visitors suffered a humiliating series whitewash at the hands of the Tigers yesterday and Pakistan skipper Azhar Ali, who himself was under pressure following his return to the national side after two years, said the cricketers should accept responsibility for the series defeat.
“As a captain I feel responsible for not performing. You would be told how to play but you have to apply it in the middle. We will have to take responsibility for the performance,” Azhar told the media after the third and final ODI in Mirpur.
“This is a totally new combination from the one that played at the World Cup. They played together for a few years. After every World Cup, there are a few changes. It is difficult but we have to keep our heads up. We have to put everything in the right place. We know we got the talent but we need to get things together,” explained the cricketer from Lahore.
The 30-year old praised Bangladesh on their 10th overall series sweep and informed that the visitors were well aware of the Tigers’ strength prior to the start of the three ODIs.
“Before the series started, we knew Bangladesh were an improved side. They did well in the World Cup. They were doing very well in their home soil, giving tough time to their oppositions. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy. We didn’t play enough good cricket,” he said before adding, “They are a more improved side. It is not surprising they are playing well. We can only think of ourselves. There were some exciting performances but we couldn’t put them together. We dropped a few catches in crucial times, we didn’t bowl that well. Today (yesterday) we were going really well in batting and suddenly after 38 overs, it was a turnaround.”