Bangladesh retain same squad for next two ODIs
Minhaj thinks batsmen should fare well
Sports Reporter
Despite Mushfiqur Rahims hamstring injury Bangladesh named the same squad for the remaining two matches of the one day international (ODI) series against the hosts New Zealand.
Both the matches of the series will be held at the same ground of the Saxton Oval in Nelson. The second match between Bangladesh and New Zealand will kick start on Thursday. And the third and last one day will be played at the same venue on Saturday, just one day after the second match.
BCB national selection panel chairman Minhajul Abedin Nannu said that they retained the same squad but they could alter if needed.
For the once we have named the same squad for the next two matches of the ODI series, said Minhajul Abedin, who left Dhaka for Nelson yesterday night.
Unfortunately if anyone becomes unfit or if Mushfiqur Rahim is unable to play, in that case, we have option in hands. We can pick Nurul Hasan Sohan. But we will take our final decision regarding the rest of one after reaching New Zealand, Nannu told media at his residence before leaving for New Zealand.
Bangladesh Test skipper Mushfiqur Rahim drove on the cusp of the 38th over to take a single and sustained hamstring injury on his left leg while he was playing on 42 off 48 with three boundaries. He got down after the primary taking care by physician but he did not come back for batting finally.
Nannu said that he does not know the exact state of Mushfiqur Rahim but they will wait at the final hour of the time line for him.
We didnt get a complete report of Mushfiqur Rahim. I am going to New Zealand todays night. I will get to know about his present condition after reaching there, the selection panel chairman said.
Praising the performance of the team on New Zealand condition, the former skipper said that the match could have close more if their top-order batsmen would bat with some responsibility from the initial stage.
As a first match, we played good enough. New Zealand scored a bit more in total. For this reason, we fell into the back foot. When they crossed 300 plus runs then it would be difficult for us to chase the total on that wicket, the chief selector said. Notwithstanding the match would then be close more if our top-order batsmen initially could continue more, he also said.
Minhajul said that they have to bat well to do fare well on the pace and bouncy wickets in New Zealand.
In New Zealand condition, we have to always do better in batting department. There is no doubt about it. We have to keep it in mind that short-of-length is difficult on this condition. We are not used to it. So, we have to play them carefully, the 51-year-old said.
