Miraz hopeful of ODI series win

Bangladesh’s Mehedi Hasan Miraz is hopeful that they can achieve a good result in the last match of the ODI series against the West Indies in Sylhet Friday, and win the series 2-1, just like they have done earlier this year in the Caribbean.

The series is tied 1-1 with the visitor Windies winning the last match in the final over, with two deliveries and four wickets remaining. 

Miraz believes that the Tigers could have scored more runs in the end, which would have swayed the result in the host’s favour.  

“We made a good start with the bat [Tuesday] but our finishing was not that good. Perhaps we scored 20 less runs, it would be better if we could add 20 more runs. But I think we are still in the series. The last match is do-or-die for us and we play well in these matches. We won the ODI series in the last match at the West Indies so we have a good opportunity to do it in the next match. Hopefully we will make a strong comeback [Friday],” explained the spin-bowling all-rounder. 

@BCBtigers captain Mashrafe Mortaza admitted lack of late-over runs in the total and dropped catches in fielding cost his team the second ODI against the West Indies in Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka Tuesday.https://t.co/XYCC197QIp#BCBTIGERS #WINDIES

— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) December 11, 2018

The West Indies registered their first win in their tour of Bangladesh, and it was mainly because of a fantastic century from opener Shai Hope, who scored an unbeaten 146. 

It was the first century for any of the Windies batters in this tour as they have struggled to cope with the Bangladesh spinners, and Miraz complimented the innings, but also felt the Bangladesh pacers could have done better. 

“Particularly our pace bowlers need to develop a little bit. We did not bowl well in the slog overs in the last few matches. But I think it will be good if we can improve in those areas. We just have to continue this. Their batsman Hope played excellent. He played well because he gave no chance. They won because they played well but overall everything was not right for us. We had some lackings. We have to try to improve them,” the 21-year old added. 

Miraz also had an explanation for the dropped catches by the home side as two were grassed by substitute fielder Nazmul Islam Apu, while one was dropped by Imrul Kayes, who was forced off injured after that missed opportunity. 

@UNICEF and the @BCBtigers joined hands Wednesday in a development and advocacy partnership aimed at championing the Unicef’s cause, and to contribute towards the participation of children in the game of crickethttps://t.co/G3Xe1ni3Xk#BCBTIGERS #BCB #TIGERS #BANGLADESH #UNICEF

— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) December 12, 2018

Apu’s dropped catches proved pivotal as Keemo Paul formed a 71-run match-winning partnership with Hope to guide his side to victory

“Dropped catches are part of cricket. We have also held some good catches. As I said, one may miss a catch. I hope we can turn around in the next match,” said Miraz. 

With rumours ripe in the Bangladesh cricket fraternity that captain Mashrafe bin Mortaza might be retiring after the World Cup next year, Miraz said he wants to see Mashrafe play for a long time.

“Mashrafe bhai has served Bangladesh for a long time. I cannot say whether it is his last match or not. I want to see Mashrafe bhai playing for a long time,” Miraz concluded.