Under ‘captain cool’ Mortaza, Bangladesh sing a lilting tune
MIRPUR: Since last year, the pieces have started to fall in place for Bangladesh. Captain Mashrafe Mortaza has been in charge of a side that has achieved much more than any of the previous sides. Despite the expectations, the side has chugged along, defying odds along the way.
Mortaza has become the ‘captain cool’ Bangladesh were yearning for all these years. A perfect example came along on Wednesday, when pushed into a corner Mortaza provided the balm his team needed.
Bangladesh, who looked to be cruising in their chase of Pakistan’s 130, stumble as a menacing Mohammad Amir returned for his second spell and picked up two quick wickets.
WRESTING ADVANTAGE
Mortaza came ahead of his usual batting spot and sent the next two deliveries from Amir to the boundary, wresting back the advantage. “Mortaza is someone who has donned multiple hats and has showed little unease,” said Akram Khan, a former captain. “Chances are the other batsmen would have buckled. But Mortaza has become the sort of player who does not get bogged by pressure.
“It has become apparent that his reading of the game has been top notch, his field and bowling changes are always on the spot, and that has made the teammates look up to him for guidance. Despite this, he has remained modest.” Mortaza was handed the job in late 2014. Bangladesh were going through their worst streak in three years. The 2015 World Cup was weeks away and there were fears that Bangladesh would struggle to prove themselves as a serious international side again. The change at the top turned out to be a catalyst. Under Mortaza, Bangladesh beat Afghanistan, Scotland and England to reach the quarterfinal for the first time.
FOLLOWING UP
They followed the feat by thrashing Pakistan 3-0 in an ODI series. Soon after, they handed shock defeats to India and South Africa. On Wednesday, they again beat Pakistan to seal a place in the final of the Asia Cup, and dispel reservations on their T20 credentials.
“Credit must also be given to Chandika Hathurasinghe who was appointed head coach in June 2014. He was joined by former Zimbabwe skipper Heath Streak, and the two have managed to bring in professionalism,” said Akram. Under them, Bangladesh have discovered good fast bowlers in Mustafizur, Al-Amin and Taskin, who can bowl close to 140 kmph.
In their big wins since past year, the fast bowlers have invariably played a key role. The trend continued in 2016.