Bangladesh captain Mashrafe bin Mortaza has confessed after beating Afghanistan that playing with only one left-arm spinner was a risk.
Published : 18 Feb 2015, 09:55 PM
The Tigers scored a huge 105-run victory against the World Cup debutants defending 267 at the Manuka Oval in Canberra on Wednesday.
“We usually play with two left-arm spinners. We played with one less today. The decision was somewhat risky,” the 31-year-old skipper told a post-match press conference.
Ace allrounder Shakib Al Hasan was the only left-arm spinner for Bangladesh in the match. They two other left arm trundlers Arafat Sunny and Taijul Islam sat out the match.
“After inspecting the wicket I felt if we got a good start, we would win. The wicket suited us and we were able to bowl the way we should’ve.
“We thought, maybe 267 was not enough. So we cut down 20 runs (from the total) and bowled accordingly.”
Afghanistan pulled off a landmark upset beating Bangladesh in the Asia Cup by 32 runs last year. The memories piled pressure on Mashrafe’s side. So the win has brought back relief to the side.
“Everyone had doubts, we may have lost if we didn’t play well. We are not thrilled (by the win). More crucial matches are ahead. I believe everyone will be more focussed now.”
Bangladesh notched up a formidable score of 267 from their 50 overs. In response, Afghanistan were bundled out for 162 in just 42.5 overs.