Bangladesh Twenty20 international captain Mashrafe bin Mortaza had earlier expressed keeping South Africa under 160 runs will be crucial. The bowlers, especially the spinners, made sure the home side accomplish the objective yesterday.
The target of 149 on the slow pitch was always going to be a tricky chase for the Tigers who are well known for their attacking batting mind. Eventually, playing too much shots on a wicket that became slow by every delivery cost the home side poorly. Mashrafe agreed that the batsmen failed to deliver the result, but also defended them by saying the intention was to keep up pace with the required run-rate.
“The batsman, particularly the middle order had though that the run rate was going seven or eight runs per over. The run rate was more than 8.5 when Nasir (Hossain) went out to bat. They were trying to go after the bad balls. Yes they played too much of shots to be honest but then again all our recent success came because of the positive approach. We don’t want to let it go but play according to the momentum and demand of the game situation. I hope the batsmen will be more thoughtful in the upcoming days,” said Mashrafe during the post-match press conference at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.
Bangladesh had planned to attack the South Africa batsmen with its primary arsenal which is its spinners. Home sides always have the advantage of knowing the pitch conditions and when Mashrafe opened the bowling with spinners from both ends, the plan was clear. However, the curator did a good job until it backfired.
“Our spinners didn’t get big turns. What happens to our bowlers is that the balls goes slow and low. Spin made the job for our batsman difficult but that I think should not be any excuse. We had a job to do and we could have tried it well,” said the veteran pacer.
Bangladesh passed best of its time in cricket over the last few months. However, going into the South Africa series, chances of Bangladesh to stand-out against a much disciplined opponent was widely discussed.
When quarried if these discussions affect the dressing-room, Mashrafe said, “That’s very much possible but then you cannot be sure of that. What is more important is how the players are thinking of that. Every one pretty much knows how good South Africa are as a team so thinking of that much will mean you are making your job harder and it becomes tough to come out of that.”
