With two matches left in the series, Bangladesh is trailing 1-0 after losing the first ODI. How likely is it for Bangladesh to make a comeback against Afghanistan in Sharjah? According to Mehidy Hasan Miraz, ‘We still have a chance.’
In the first ODI, Bangladesh lost by 92 runs, falling from 120-2 to being all out for 143 while chasing 235. The two teams will face off again tomorrow at the same venue. Speaking to journalists in Sharjah, Miraz said, ‘We still have a chance. We’ve lost one match, but there are still two to go. For us, the next match is crucial, given that we’re slightly on the back foot.’
Before this series in Sharjah, Bangladesh last played an ODI series in March against Sri Lanka, which they won 2-1. Reflecting on that period, Miraz admitted, ‘We made some mistakes then. Shanto made some mistakes as well. We’ve discussed it. On a pitch like this, set batsmen need to carry on to the end. Both Shanto and I made that mistake.’
Bringing up the gap since their last ODI series, Miraz noted, ‘It’s been a long time since we played an ODI. It’s been around seven to eight months, so that was in our minds. We’ve prepared accordingly. Having played on this ground now, we have a sense of how to build momentum, and we’ve been practicing that.’
Miraz also addressed the first match’s loss, highlighting the changing nature of the pitch: ‘When Shanto (Najmul Hossain Shanto) and I were batting, the wicket felt easy. But after about 20 overs, as the ball got softer, it suddenly started turning more. Both Shanto and I struggled with it. I kept telling him that if it was tough for us, it would be even harder for the new batters. The wicket started turning unexpectedly, with some slow turns and others coming straight. It was hard to predict.’
He acknowledged the mistakes made, saying, ‘We made mistakes then. Shanto (Najmul Hossain Shanto) made some mistakes too. We talked it over. On a pitch like this, set batsmen should be finishing the game. Both Shanto and I made a mistake there.’
Miraz wasn’t fully satisfied with his own bowling performance in the first ODI either, noting, ‘The pacers bowled really well and gave us a great start. But I couldn’t fulfill the expectations I had for myself. If Rishad and I could’ve taken a couple of wickets in the middle overs, it would have been easier for us. I might have kept the runs low, but the team expects wickets from me because my role is important.’
With Mushfiqur Rahim ruled out of the remaining two matches due to a finger injury, Miraz acknowledged the impact of his absence, saying, ‘It’s unfortunate for us to lose Mushfiq bhai to injury. We all know how important he is to the team, given his remarkable contributions and commitment to the country.’
The second ODI in Sharjah will begin at 4 PM Bangladesh time.
