Mashrafe: We must improve, and quick!

SOUTH AFRICA vBANGLADESH ODI ROUND-UP

BANGLADESH captain Mashrafe Mortaza has warned of future difficulties facing his side after South Africa swept them aside 3-0 in the ODI series.

Already destined to lose the series after heavy defeats in the first two matches, the tourists were defeated by 200 runs in the final clash – Bangladesh’s joint thirdheaviest runs defeat in ODIs.

And the pain doesn’t stop there. The Tigers are also the fourth team, after England, India and Zimbabwe to concede more than 1,000 in a three-match series.

But Mashrafe was hopeful that this chastening tour will do his troops well in the future.

Skipper Mashrafe said: “This tour has been alarming for Bangladesh cricket and with more bilateral tours and the World Cup coming up we, as a playing unit, have to look after these things quickly.

“I think we are not having enough confidence to bat and bowl.We haven’t adjusted to the conditions. But it has been happening since the Champions Trophy.We have to improve quickly or the overseas bilateral series in the future will become very difficult.

“Neither the batsmen nor the bowlers took responsibilities. I think we have to find out from the particular players why we are unable to play better.

“This is a long-term issue, a long process.We have to be prepared to play on these types of wickets the next time we go on a tour.”