First ODI collapse ‘a blessing in disguise’ – Mortaza

After opting to bat, Bangladesh, missing Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan, were reduced to 139/6 before Imrul Kayes, the opener, and Mohammad Saifuddin, the all-rounder at No.8, lifted them. They added 127 together and helped Bangladesh post enough runs for a 28-run win.

“I am rather happy that Saifuddin scored runs because these kinds of situations help us to see the potential (of the tail-enders). It is true that it is not an ideal position, but unless these kinds of situations arise, their confidence won't be raised,” said Mortaza ahead of the second ODI on Wednesday, 24 October.

“With some other team, as the top-order clicks their middle order is not exposed but in our case even our late order is exposed. We could make a comeback and certainly it will help us to go forward. You cannot expect that our batting will end with Mushfiqur (Rahim) and Mahmudullah all the time and in that sense, it was a blessing in disguise as we had seen the strength of our lower order.”

Mortaza pointed to the fact that Liton Das and Kayes have now scored centuries in Bangladesh’s last two ODIs – Das in the Asia Cup 2018 final against India and Kayes in the first ODI against Zimbabwe.

“The positive thing is that both the openers got a century in successive matches despite the unavailability of Tamim. We were struggling in this area,” said Mortaza.

“The only area of concern is that we are unable to make 300 despite those hundreds. Probably because he (Das or Kayes) is not receiving the support that is required.”

Zimbabwe have batting worries of their own. Seven of their batsmen got to at least 20, but Sean Williams’ 50* late in the chase was the only half-century.

“The top five have to take the responsibility and if one batsman gets a big score, I think we will definitely give Bangladesh a run for money,” coach Lalchand Rajput said.

“I am really happy we gave a good fight in spite of the position. Williams and (Kyle) Jarvis really batted well. Cephas (Zhuwao) gave a good start but there are areas where we have to work very hard. The key area is the top five. (Hamilton) Masakadza got a hundred in the practice game so hopefully he can convert in the ODIs.”

One of the concerns for Zimbabwe is that Brendan Taylor, their big man at No.3, hasn’t been among the runs of late. “BT is getting starts so hopefully a big score will come. I am sure they also feel they have to get a big score. It is coming, I am sure it is coming very soon,” Rajput said.

Rajput, the former India opener, took charge in May this year, and Zimbabwe have lost 15 out of 15 matches – ODIs and Twenty20 Internationals – since then.

“It is a long list, but in the first eight games, we didn't have our players. Now the senior players have returned and we are getting closer but not crossing the line,” pointed out Rajput. “We are getting it together but the day will come soon that we will cross the line.”