Bangladesh face South Africa in 2nd one-dayer today
Wednesday, 12 March 2008
Bangladesh face South Africa in the 2nd ODI of the Warid Cricket Series today (Wednesday) at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium (SBNS), aiming to square the three-match series, reports UNB.
For the 2nd ODI, Bangladesh made two changes. Vice captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza returned to the XI in place of another pacer Shahadat Hossain Razib, while right-hand top order batsman Nazimuddin will make his debut replacing left-hand opener Junaed Siddiqui who has been dropped from the squad.
The match is scheduled to start at 9:30 am.
Both the teams had practice sessions at the match venue Tuesday. The Tigers did their practice in the morning while the Proteas had practice in the afternoon.
During a break in the practice session, Bangladesh skipper Mohammad Ashraful said: "We've no other alternative but to win the match if we want to stay alive in the series."
Asked about the exclusion of Junaed, he said Junaed was not playing well in the last few matches. So, he has been dropped. "Besides, we think his confidence level is low."
About Mashrafe's return to the squad, Ashraful: "Mashrafe is an experienced campaigner for Bangladesh and he used to bat well in the lower order. So, he has been included."
Replying to a query, the out of form Bangladesh skipper admitted that his side was not able to put up good scores in the last few matches.
But, he said, "this time we will definitely try our best to make good scores… If we could post 230-240 runs, there will be a good chance to win."
He told a questioner that the wicket at Mirpur is different from Chittagong and the squad has been named to suit the conditions.
On the other hand, South African coach Mickey Arthur believed that Bangladesh could come back in the series. He said: "I think, they can come back. But, now I am not worried about them. I am now worried about my team."
Asked about his side's condition ahead of the 2nd match, the 37-year old coach said: "We played well in Chittagong and we did well there. I was very impressed with our efforts. Now we are looking forward to the (second) match."
Replying to a query, he said: "Bangladesh is a good side. They played well especially in these conditions (Mirpur). If we can control the match, we will do well."
Asked if there will be any change in their playing XI, the South African coach informed that they would sit tonight (Tuesday night) to have some discussions. He also hinted that there might be some changes, saying "there is opportunity for everybody."
Arthur thinks that three of the Bangladesh players -- Ashraful, Mashrafe and Tamim -- could create some problems for his side. "Ashraful is always a dangerous player, Tamim also played well in Chittagong. Mashrafe is also back in the side. These three can be a factor against us."
Bangladesh, which trails 0-1 in the series after losing the first ODI by nine wickets in Chittagong, will play the third and final ODI Friday, also at the SBNS.
For the 2nd ODI, Bangladesh made two changes. Vice captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza returned to the XI in place of another pacer Shahadat Hossain Razib, while right-hand top order batsman Nazimuddin will make his debut replacing left-hand opener Junaed Siddiqui who has been dropped from the squad.
The match is scheduled to start at 9:30 am.
Both the teams had practice sessions at the match venue Tuesday. The Tigers did their practice in the morning while the Proteas had practice in the afternoon.
During a break in the practice session, Bangladesh skipper Mohammad Ashraful said: "We've no other alternative but to win the match if we want to stay alive in the series."
Asked about the exclusion of Junaed, he said Junaed was not playing well in the last few matches. So, he has been dropped. "Besides, we think his confidence level is low."
About Mashrafe's return to the squad, Ashraful: "Mashrafe is an experienced campaigner for Bangladesh and he used to bat well in the lower order. So, he has been included."
Replying to a query, the out of form Bangladesh skipper admitted that his side was not able to put up good scores in the last few matches.
But, he said, "this time we will definitely try our best to make good scores… If we could post 230-240 runs, there will be a good chance to win."
He told a questioner that the wicket at Mirpur is different from Chittagong and the squad has been named to suit the conditions.
On the other hand, South African coach Mickey Arthur believed that Bangladesh could come back in the series. He said: "I think, they can come back. But, now I am not worried about them. I am now worried about my team."
Asked about his side's condition ahead of the 2nd match, the 37-year old coach said: "We played well in Chittagong and we did well there. I was very impressed with our efforts. Now we are looking forward to the (second) match."
Replying to a query, he said: "Bangladesh is a good side. They played well especially in these conditions (Mirpur). If we can control the match, we will do well."
Asked if there will be any change in their playing XI, the South African coach informed that they would sit tonight (Tuesday night) to have some discussions. He also hinted that there might be some changes, saying "there is opportunity for everybody."
Arthur thinks that three of the Bangladesh players -- Ashraful, Mashrafe and Tamim -- could create some problems for his side. "Ashraful is always a dangerous player, Tamim also played well in Chittagong. Mashrafe is also back in the side. These three can be a factor against us."
Bangladesh, which trails 0-1 in the series after losing the first ODI by nine wickets in Chittagong, will play the third and final ODI Friday, also at the SBNS.