Would have been happier with a series win, says Shanto

FE Team | Published: December 23, 2023 21:37:57

Najmul Hossain Shanto, the Bangladesh captain, was pleased that his team secured their first ever ODI victory against New Zealand in New Zealand but added that it would have been better had they won the series, which the hosts took 2-1, reports Cricbuzz.
After 18 ODI losses on the trot, Bangladesh finally ended their winless run thanks to a commanding bowling performance in the third ODI. A collective effort helped bowl New Zealand out for just 98 and Bangladesh reached the target in 15.1 overs with nine wickets in hand.
‘Bangladesh were a tad unlucky in the opening game which had several rain interruptions and was eventually reduced to 30 overs per side, as the visitors were short of bowling options in the end.
"If you think about the history certainly we have performed in a manner that we can be proud of as we could win one game. But personally speaking we came here to win the series," said Najmul. "In the opening game we were unlucky that we ran short of bowling options due to rain. Certainly happy that we could win the (third) game but would have been happier if we could win the series," he said.
Najmul said maintaining discipline was key for them to be able to restrict New Zealand to a total of under 100. "We have not thought anything like that (bowling them under 100 runs) and we just tried to keep our process right in this series. We bowled well for a long period of time and the wickets were falling automatically. We did not come here with the hope that we will bowl them out for 98 or 100 runs. The only focus was how long we can bowl well and I am proud of the way we make a comeback after losing two games.
"Whenever I brought someone to bowl they fulfilled their responsibility. When Shoriful gave us two breakthroughs in the second spell the momentum came towards us. I don't want to praise any individual as everyone fulfilled their responsibility and bowled accordingly," he said.
"There was no extra help from the wicket, we made some tactical changes because there was some help for the pacers. Just tried to keep the pace bowlers on for as long as possible but there was not nothing extra in the wicket."