Skipper Mahmudullah urges team to play smart cricket

COLOMBO: Bangladesh achieved the fourth-highest successful chase in T20s when they chased down 215 against Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa stadium on Saturday. Following the victory, Tamim Iqbal, who attended the post-match press conference, stressed on the need for Bangladesh to play T20 in their style.

Tamim’s comments found support from skipper Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim, whose unbeaten 72 off 35 balls was the key behind Bangladesh’s epic win.

Speaking at the Sinhalese Sports Club, Rahim said smart cricket was the way forward. “We must have our own brand of cricket rather than imitating others. We do not have a pinch hitter who can score a quickfire 30-40 runs in 10 balls. We do have some smart cricketers in our side,” Rahim said.

In the pre-match press conference, Mahmudullah added, “The skills are there but we need to be smart to take those calculative risks, from taking on a particular bowler. Whoever thinks can take him on, should go for it,” the Bangladesh skipper said.

Bangladesh’s practice session was marred by persistent drizzle but the team had a batting and bowling session after noon when rain stopped. Mahmudullah said countering Indian spinners Washington Sundar and Yuzvendra Chahal was the key in Bangladesh winning the match.

Sundar has been India’s key bowler in the power-play with an economy rate of six. Chahal has also struck at vital times, backed by Shardul Thakur and Jaydev Unadkat, the joint leading wicket-takers in the tournament so far with five wickets apiece.

Mahmudullah added that Bangladesh can take a leaf out of India’s book when it came to bowling. “The wickets have aided the batsmen. Maybe, we can take a leaf out of India’s approach.”