Even the arrival of two of their most prominent players and a change in format could not change their fortunes, as Bangladesh’s horror show in South Africa continued in the One-Day Internationals too.
After being thoroughly outplayed in the two-Test series, Bangladesh, riding on Mushfiqur Rahim’s unbeaten century, managed to put up a challenging 278 for seven in the allotted 50 overs, but it turned out to be no contest at all, as Bangladesh bowlers’ disastrous performance in South Africa extended for one more day.
Quinton de Kock and Hashim Amla scored unbeaten centuries to propel the hosts to a thumping ten-wicket victory.
Speaking after the massive loss, Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza admitted his team failed to post the par score on a good batting track, but berated his bowlers for their ineffectiveness as they were unable to take a single wicket.
“It was a 280-plus wicket, but we could have defended it had we taken early wickets and created pressure from both sides,” Mashrafee told reporters at Kimberley. “But this was beyond our expectation, how we couldn’t take a wicket. I am sure all the bowlers will think about what had happened. It will be hard for us to do well if we keep bowling this way. We have to make a comeback from this.”
“What we missed today was pressure from both ends, especially in the middle overs but we couldn’t do it from the start till end. You have to bowl in partnerships more in ODIs. You can’t keep leaking runs from one side because the one who is bowling well then can be taken for ones and twos,” he added.
Mortaza also gave an injury update on Mustafizur Rahman and Tamim Iqbal.
“Mustafizur is probably out of the series from the time he got hurt yesterday. We waited for Tamim until the last moment, but the physio didn’t want to take a risk,” Mortaza said.
The veteran pacer further dismissed suggestions that his team did not start the game with a positive body language.
“Our body language didn’t reflect anything untoward when we started the day. We batted almost as planned. Shakib and Mushfiqur took responsibility by performing their roles properly,” he said.
“We are doing everything possible. The result is not coming in our favour to keep mentality positive. I think they would have chased the total regardless, but we should have taken at least five or six wickets in the process. It may have put them under some pressure, but our bowling was just disappointing,” he added.