Bangladesh’s key to defend a low scoring total against Australia was to bowl dots, said left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed.
The 26-year old, playing his fifth international, all T20s, emerged as the hero behind Bangladesh’s maiden win in the format against visitors Australia.
The home team defending 131 runs registered a 23-run win against the tourists at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium Tuesday.
Bangladesh, taking advantage of the slow and low Mirpur wicket, used spin right from the first ball.
Man of the match Nasum shared the new ball with Mahedi Hasan and finished with career best 4/19 in the shortest format.
Mahedi and left-arm spinner Shakib al Hasan picked up early wickets too, and kept things tight all through.
The duo picked up a wicket each.
“The coach [Russell Domingo] told me that I will be playing the [first] game and that I have roles to play. I was excited, and thinking of what I should be doing in the game. I hadn’t bowled well in the previous game [against Zimbabwe] for which there was a bit worry too,” said Nasum to the media following the historic victory.
“We had 131 on the board [Tuesday] and before getting to the field [Mahmudullah] Riyad bhai told us that we will fight and make them play dot balls and give our best to win the game. My first two deliveries were back of length after which Shakib bhai told me it's good to bowl slow and in front. I followed as told,” he added.
The first half of the game belonged to visitors Australia who restricted Bangladesh to just 131 for seven.
The home team however, braved the odds and the win saw them record the lowest total they have successfully defended in this format, eclipsing their previous lowest of 133 against the United Arab Emirates at the Asia Cup in 2016.
Nasum said the team had the belief and focus to defend the total, and that they have been able to execute the plans well.
“The target was to not give many runs and bowl in the right areas and give dots. I tried to do that and got wickets. Yes, there is pressure when you are defending a low score but I did not have my mind on that. My simple target was to bowl dots,” said Nasum.
“Riyad bhai and Shakib bhai supported me a lot [while I was bowling]. They both were speaking to me when I was bowling and I tried to follow their advice,” Nasum informed.
Bangladesh will face Australia in the second game of the series Wednesday at the same venue.
