Result reflects how much ahead Bangladesh is of Zimbabwe: Mushfiq

Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim says the result of the series against Zimbabwe truly reflects the difference between the teams.

The Tigers had earlier won the Tests in Dhaka by three wickets and Khulna by 162 runs to seal the series, their first three-match series triumph.

The 186-run win in the Chittagong Test on Sunday meant that they had completed a series whitewash.

“That’s how much we differ (in strength) from them. Apart from a session in the first Test it never felt like they were ahead… maybe just equal in some sessions,” the captain said at the post-match press conference.

Despite Bangladesh’s poor run of form in recent times Mushfiq had thoughts of a 3-0 sweep ahead of the home series.

“We knew if plans are executed well results will be such. From that point I’ll say nothing unbelievable has happened; this is natural for us.”

Mushfiq praised the bowlers for running through their opponents in both innings of the three consecutive matches while lauding the batsmen for putting up runs on the board.

The 26-year-old registered his fourth Test win as captain. No other Bangladesh captains have won more than one Test. However, he credited his teammates for the wins.

“It’s not that I have something to take credit for. Everybody played well, showed resolve. I want them to hold on to this.”

Zimbabwe needed 378 runs to win on the final day while Bangladesh required nine wickets.

Although Sikandar Raza and Hamilton Masakadza put up strong resistance thoughts of victory never went away from Mushfiq’s mind.

“The way they were batting, it was only a matter of time. They were taking risks. I felt they’ll get out anytime.

“The first session was very important. We knew, picking up two wickets within half an hour will put pressure on them and that’s what happened.”