Batters need to take more responsibility, says Miraz after heavy defeat

Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz rued the lack of runs from the top-order after his side suffered a comprehensive 128-run defeat in DLS method in the second ODI of the three-match series against Pakistan at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Friday.

Chasing 275, Bangladesh could bat for just 6.3 overs before a sudden hailstorm in Mirpur stopped play.

In that brief period, the hosts their top three batters, openers Tanzid Hasan Tamim (one off seven), Saif Hassan (12 off 12) and Najmul Hossain Shanto (0) for just 27 runs on the board.

Losing three quick wickets had an adverse affect for Bangladesh in the DLS calculation as once play resumed after a little over two hours, they were set a very steep target of 243 in 32 overs, one they eventually fell well short of.

“We didn't execute well in the first 10 overs, which we did the last time,” Miraz said after the match, recalling how his team had plundered 81-1 in the Powerplay in the first ODI, which they won by eight wickets.

Litton Das’ innings, batting at No.4, was the only bright spot in Bangladesh’s overall bleak batting performance.

After play resumed, the right-hander played positive cricket and formed a 58-run stand off 48 deliveries with Tawhid Hridoy to keep Bangladesh in the game.

But after he got trapped LBW by left-arm spinner Maaz Sadaqat for 41 off 33 balls, the Tigers kept losing wickets in regular succession and eventually were bundled out for a mere 114 in 23.3 overs.

“It’s a very good wicket to bat on but our top-order batters didn't get many runs. We have to improve our batting and need to take more responsibility,” he added.

When asked about the controversial run-out he made against Salman Agha in the first innings, Miraz claimed he acted on instinct.

“He was away from the wicket and I was just looking for the ball. If I had missed, he would have gone for the run. So I was just thinking like that.”

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Maaz, who won his first player-of-the-match prize in just his second ODI for a brisk 46-ball 75 with the bat and a 3-25 with the ball, said playing their “natural game” helped the side pull off such a quick turnaround.

“In our meeting, we spoke about playing our natural game. In the last game, it was my debut, so there was some pressure too. This time I played my natural game and Allah helped me.” Two matches in, the series is squared up at 1-1. The series-decider will be played at the same venue on March 15.