Captain Mashrafe did not expect such a convincing win against South Africa

Bangladesh captain Mashrafe bin Mortaza has said he did not expect such a commanding win over their fierce adversaries in South Africa.

“To be honest, we didn’t expect to bowl them out for 162. It is true that once four or five wickets fell we tried to keep them under pressure,” he told reporters in the post-match press conference. 

"I started using my main bowlers then and wanted to bowl them out as soon as possible.”

Although the 31-year old has only one wicket to his name, he led the team from the front to bundle the Proteas out for just 162, the tourists’ lowest total against Bangladesh, on Sunday.

Bangladesh went on to win the match by seven wickets to level the series in style at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.

Although the players delayed their training the day before the match, they reaped the benefits of holding discussions on Saturday.

“We talked a lot among ourselves, which was more important than the practice. We discussed (issues) and worked on them. How we’ll start, end and how we’ll play long innings – we spoke about these things.”

Mashrafe is pleased with the way things worked out after four straight losses at home.

"The way Mustafiz bowled was fantastic to see. Nasir delivered… It is a good sign for us and the batters stepped up as well,” Mashrafe said at the presentation ceremony.

"Coming back from injury, Mahmudullah did well and hopefully he will continue. As long as our way is right, we will play well. This was a much-needed win.”

He said he relied on his instincts to restrict South Africa to a low score in the second ODI.

Mashrafe made timely changes to the bowling as spinners Nasir Hossain and Mahmudullah struck as soon as being introduced into the attack.

He utilised his trump card Mustafizur Rahman, paceman Rubel Hossain and Nasir in such a way that they gave breakthroughs every time they were brought back into the attack.

But Mashrafe said after the match that he had not made the changes according to situations.

“I wanted to do a lot of things today. I tried every idea that popped up in my mind. But I always trust my gut feelings.”

"I finished with Shakib after bringing him (back) on. It was a risk but I thought maybe he’ll take a couple of wickets.

He did the same with Mustafizur rather than waiting to keep him for the end.

"Then I gave the ball to Mustafiz and he took a wicket. Rubel and (Mahmudullah) Riyad also bowled extra overs.”