Youthful Hitters Shine and Tailenders Rise
The group will be happy to see their youthful hitters, Najmul Hossain Shanto, taking the lead, and the tail is finally producing some runs.
Only six 300+ chases in ODIs by Bangladesh have been successful, as evidenced by their three-wicket victory over Ireland on Friday. The younger batters assuming the leading roles, the long tail that ultimately produced some runs, and the timing were the characteristics that stood out in this pursuit. Chelmsford’s exhibition was the ideal batting performance in a World Cup year when they seek to confidently enter the competition and improve their credentials as an ODI team.
Formerly in doubt for an ODI spot, Najmul Hossain Shanto now has his first century in the format. For the Bangladeshi supporters, Najmul Hossain Shanto’s pressure-induced acceleration was encouraging after Bangladesh had lost two early wickets in a 320-chase. Since the T20 World Cup in November 2022, he has improved as a batter despite receiving a lot of abuse during the previous two years.
But after the second ODI, Najmul Hossain Shanto praised Towhid Hridoy for helping him with a fast 68. Hridoy is a more recent arrival than Shanto; he debuted in March of this year. Since then, he has successfully fought for a middle-order slot against more experienced players like Mahmudullah and Afif Hossain.
Following Shakib Al Hasan’s easy dismissal in the 17th over, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Hridoy scored 131 runs together to secure the fourth wicket. Shakib and Shanto rapidly added 61 runs, but when Shakib was dismissed, Ireland believed they still had a significant impact on the game. Hridoy, however, immediately dispelled such an idea.
Shanto and Hridoy led the BPL this season with a century and three fifty-stand partnerships. The fact that Shanto finished the BPL with the most runs scored helped him gain confidence, and the BPL this year was Hridoy’s breakthrough season.
Bangladesh’s ODI Triumph Unveils New Heroes
This victory will undoubtedly boost our confidence, according to Shanto. “Hridoy’s motivation improved my batting,” He never appeared tense. Our collaboration achieved what we wanted. Regarding the result, we had no concerns. We made an effort to play cricket the way we usually would. We anticipate benefiting from this species of cricket shortly.
“It’s fun playing baseball with him, for sure. In the BPL, we had several significant relationships. We are aware of how our team bats. His intentions are excellent for the group. It exerts pressure on the adversary. Despite losing three or four wickets, he doesn’t change his approach. It is how we should play. Our guiding principle is to play naturally without worrying too much if we lose three or four wickets.
Even though he wasn’t there in the end, Shanto admitted that he was happy with his effort and was somewhat sad after the game. “I am overjoyed to reach my first ODI century. I batted how I intended to bat. If I had, I would have felt guilty and happy to win. I didn’t give the chilly weather much thought. I responded to the ball’s merit.
Regarding the result, I had no concerns. I made an effort to bat well. Although the wicket was excellent, facing the new ball presented some difficulties.
Bangladesh’s more significant and challenging assignment was navigating the pursuit with four true tailenders. Although some may disagree, Taijul Islam is still a competent batter with little experience in restricted overs. Since Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, and Ebadto Hossain are true tailenders, the visitors’ ability to score 320 runs in 45 overs with the top seven could have been better.
For the go-ahead runs, Mushfiqur Rahim scoops the ball over the wicketkeeper’s head.
Fortune Favours Bangladesh
When the last recognised tandem of Mushfiqur Rahim and Mehidy Hasan Miraz joined forces in the 37th over, Bangladesh still needed 63 runs. Mehidy was dismissed with 34 runs required in the final 5.2 overs. However, Taijul and Shoriful’s stunning assistance allowed Mushfiqur to score those runs.
Shanto claimed that Bangladesh demonstrated their ability to pursue with seven specialist batters. Still, they also required some good fortune because of Mark Adair’s no-ball in the last over and the TV umpire’s inability to determine Mushfiqur’s run-out.
“Whether we have seven or eight batters makes no difference. With duty and purpose, we must bat. We had the same number of hitters in the lineup. We succeeded in pursuing 320. We could effectively follow 350. Aware of the pitch and the circumstances, we had always thought we could prevail. We had faith that we could pursue this aim. We discussed it in the changing area. We required good fortune. Thus, we acquired it with the no-ball, and that ran out.
In the last ODI on Sunday, Bangladesh will want to do better, according to Shanto, although he thought the bowlers performed an excellent job for 39 of the 45 overs. He added that the offspinner would likely be able to counter Ireland with bowling from an inevitable end, adding that they would constantly debate when to include Mehidy in the bowling assault.
“I didn’t believe we bowled poorly. We provided six or seven massive overs out of the 45 overs, according to the coach (Chandika Hathurusingha). We bowled well for 39 overs overall. The player who batted effectively for them and scored a century did so. No one is to blame. The situation may continuously be improved, but the manner the bowlers performed here will benefit us in the future.
“The captain and I were debating whether or not to use Miraz in the assault. But Taijul bhai was the one who was more trusted. Then we found that hitting a right-hander from one end was more challenging because it was huge. When faced with left-arm spin, they were playing well. We have faith in him. He had good bowling. He is a tremendous assistance. We aim to create a scenario in which everyone can bowl in any circumstance. Read more cricket updates here at IPLWin India.
