Skipper Mahmudullah praises openers for perfect start

Bangladesh cricket team captain Mahmudullah praised opening pair Liton Das and Mohammad Naim for giving a good start while batting first in their second T20I against visiting New Zealand at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium Friday.

Bangladesh bowlers managed to hold their nerves as they restricted New Zealand for 137 for five, to clinch a four-run victory and take a 2-0 lead in the series despite Kiwi skipper Tom Latham’s valiant unbeaten 65-run innings.

“I think batting against the new ball is more difficult on this kind of wicket. New ball seam is usually very hard and that causes some sudden bounce. Some deliveries may turn sharply with the new ball as well. Considering that, our openers, Liton and Naim batted superbly,” said Mahmudullah after the match.

“They [openers] gave us exactly the start we wanted and it was like a perfect start for us. We had a good partnership early on. Then in the middle overs, we also managed to form some small but crucial partnerships.

“I think 140 is a very good score on this wicket. Actually it was a lot better wicket compared to the first match. And the wicket was getting better to bat on under the lights.

“Our bowlers bowled really well. Mustafizur (Rahman) held his nerve. I had quite a bit of confidence in him to deliver and he did eventually. Mahedi (Hasan) has been bowling well; he's been giving early breakthroughs. So credit goes to our bowlers as well."

With the victory, Bangladesh have now registered their eighth win in T20Is this year.

Bangladesh skipper wants to carry the momentum as the T20 World Cup is looming and eying to win the remaining matches of the series as well.

“In T20s, you get these sorts of close games. Happy to get the win, that's what matters. We believe that we are a good team in this format. We are happy to continue this streak (eight wins this calendar year) and want to carry the momentum,” Mahmudullah concluded.

The third match of the five-T20Iseries will be played at the same venue Sunday.