Bangladesh ODI captain Mashrafe bin Mortaza thinks it will be crucial to have a positive intent when they take on the formidable West Indies in the first of three ODIs at Providence Stadium in Guyana. The Windies batting line-up is packed with power hitters like Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis and Andre Russell.
“We have to be positive and do what we can against the challenge of facing a difficult West Indies batting line-up. We need to make sure we are doing the right things, like bowling in the right areas and exploiting their weaknesses. If we can get them out early, especially the top order, it will be fun,” said Mashrafe to the media Saturday in the Caribbean.
Mashrafe is one of five cricketers to join the Bangladesh team in the West Indies for the ODI series. The veteran right-arm paceman was the last to report due to concerns over the health of his ill wife, who is suffering from blood disease. Mashrafe hoped the fresh guys who joined the team for the ODI series, along with those who are already there, will be able to produce good results.
Visiting @BCBtigers will be looking to bury the bitter memories of the two-match Test series against the @westindies when the two teams take on each other in the first of three ODIs at Providence Stadium in Guyana.https://t.co/CR9KXgL6zM#BCB #TIGERS #BCBTIGERS #CRICKET #CWI
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) July 21, 2018
“We have fresh guys come and join the side for the ODI series. Hopefully they will play some good cricket and obviously, one-day cricket suits us a lot. Majority of the boys have been here for a while now. I think the combination we have is very good, hopefully we will be on our toes and deliver our best in the series,” said Mashrafe.
The wicket at the Providence typically tends to be on the slower side. The Tigers last played here in Guyana at the 2007 World Cup.
“We last played here in 2007 so you never know when you come and play at a venue after a long time. Hopefully 260 to 280 will be a good total on the board,” he added.
