Bangladesh to keep experimenting
Sabbir thinks winning-streak is important
Syed Mohammed Pithu, Khulna
Even though Bangladesh considered the series against Zimbabwe as the chance to experiment, they werent inclined to drop the idea of sweeping the series in a ruthless manner.
The hosts had already made a giant stride towards their goal, cruising Zimbabwe past by four wickets in the first T20.
But the manner of victory didnt please the captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza who however was satisfied with the senior players role in new position.
As part of Bangladeshs plan to experiment, the batting position of the players like Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Sabbir Rahman, Mahmudullah Riyad was changed but they chipped-in-with in crucial moments to seal the deal from an unfavourable position. Thats what gave Mashrafe a satisfaction but still it wasnt up to the mark performance according to him. He reckoned Bangladesh could finish the match in 17th or 18th over rather than making it close.
Zimbabwe however showed rare solidity in batting and the result of the first match could have been different had they added 15 runs more to the board.
Their own fault coupled with Bangladeshi pacers good death bowling made the difference eventually. However they were per with Bangladesh until the 18th over.
Thats the area what Mashrafe pointed out. He wants more vigor and ruthlessness amid experimenting the things.
Bangladesh team management however hinted they would keep experimenting with the batting and bowling position but it is unlikely that the winning squad will be changed.
Its pleasing that we could begin the year with winning note. The series is crucial for us ahead of the Asia Cup and World T20. So we want the momentum to be with us, said Bangladesh batsman Sabbir Rahman who struck a highest 46 for the team.
We want to win four matches in a row, so well remain serious always. Because the winning-streak is important to boost the confidence.
But there was apprehension whether the experiment matter creates an unnecessary pressure on the players. Sabbir though differed.
There is no pressure on us. We want to play with confident mood. Most importantly, well try to play the way we are playing these days.
The early wicket loss in the first T20, in the face of 164 runs target, might put pressure on Bangladesh to expose the negative aspects of the experiment but Sabbir played with supreme confidence to plague the loopholes.
It seemed the No. 3 position suited the stylish batsman well.
Sabbir though had a poor form with batting during the BPL-3, he played some match winning knocks in the No.3 position.
According to Sabbir, he can deal with the pace bowling with more perfection than spin which is why he is so successful in this particular position. But at the same time, he declared him flexible to play in any position.
I am ready to play in any position according to the demand of the team. In T20 cricket, you have to play all balls well, otherwise the opponent will harass you, bowling at your weak point. Still I think I am comfortable with pace bowling. The start is very important to get the momentum in T20 cricket. So at No. 3 position, I got some pace bowlers and gained the momentum. But I think I am fit to play in any position whatever the team wants.
If we can have a good start, the finishing will be also good. As a team we always want to utilise the first six overs well to start the innings with perfection. If your start gets good, you can finish it well even though you taste a collapse in the middle.
