C T Online Desk: Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz felt that they leaked 30 to 40 runs more during Afghanistan innings and if they could have restricted them to 280-290 runs, they might have a chance in the game.
The Tigers conceded a massive 142-run defeat during the second ODI against Afghanistan and also lost the three-match series with one match to spare in Chattogram on Saturday.
Riding on twin hundreds from Rahmanullah Gurbaz (145) and Ibrahim Zadran (100), Afghanistan posted a colossal total of 331-9 in their 50 overs after they were sent into bat first.
The duo also put up a record-breaking stand of 256 runs – the highest for Afghanistan ifor any wicket – to set up the game for the visitors.
Afghan bowlers then complemented their batters well and bowled Bangladesh all out for 189 runs in 43.2 overs to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
“Actually the runs of 331 were too much for us. We couldn’t bowl in a disciplined way in the start and they were successful while attacking us,” Mehidy said during the post-match press conference on Saturday.
“We leaked 30 to 40 runs more. If the score was 280 to 290 runs, it would have been a different game. The total of 330 (331) was actually a tough one as they are a good bowling side,” he added.
Mehidy, however, admitted that their batters were unable to put up any fight in both games of the series but he was hopeful that his team would win the last match of the series.
Bangladesh batters failed to score 200 runs in consecutive matches as during the series opener, they made 169-9 while on Saturday, they fell 11 runs short of reaching 200 runs.
“We will definitely try to win the last game,” Mehidy concluded.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott said that they wouldn’t be resting on laurels despite their maiden ODI series win over Bangladesh.
Afghanistan, who previously lost two ODI series against Bangladesh, were successful during the third time and now will be looking to complete a clean sweep over the hosts.
“Bangladesh are a good side. They haven’t lost here for how many years? Eight years? Well, that’s nice to have something in common with England. We can hopefully get 3-0,” Trott said in his press meet.
Meanwhile, members of the Afghanistan squad greeted around 200 to 300 Afghani fans who were at the gallery to support them during the second match of the series.
After the end of the match, the players and supporting staffs walked to the gallery where the fans were cheering for them.
