Photo: Firoz Ahmed
Bangladesh clinched two very close games against Ireland and Najmul Hossain Shanto, who was adjudged the player of the tournament for his vital contributions with the bat, opined that digging in for the wins in difficult scenarios would be useful to their World Cup campaign.
There are about four months left until the World Cup in India and the Tigers are planning to get their preparations right in the remaining matches. The conditions in Ireland provided a challenge and chasing down 320 in just 45 overs in the second ODI was a big boost.
“The 320 we chased down was very important. Then the match where we defended [a 274-run target in the third ODI]. Both matches were very important. These kinds of situations may arrive at the World Cup against big teams. We got a feel for both instances; how to chase and how to defend. If we can keep these instances in our memory when playing matches, it will be great,” Shanto told reporters at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after landing in the country.
Bangladesh finished third in the ICC ODI Super League ahead of India, Pakistan and Australia and Shanto believed their form must continue. “We are playing good cricket but there is room for improvement,” he said.
Shanto was credited with putting forward good feedback to the team during the third ODI while defending 274. The left-handed batter was also electric on the field.
“Whenever the team is fielding, we all try to help out and give ideas we may have to bowlers or the captain. It’s good we could do it and when it helps the team out, it’s a good feeling. We always try to contribute and provide feedback,” he said, adding that the crowd in Chelmsford made them feel like they were playing at home.
