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Mushfiqur Rahim: Bangladesh is going through a struggle period; the challenge is to turn in around quickly
Bangladesh have lost two games against Sri Lanka on the trot in their first series after the World Cup
Bangladesh player Mushfiqur Rahim has stated that his team has made considerable progress in the last few years, and a bad series against Sri Lanka should not be a reason to panic.
Though Rahim scored 98 in the second ODI against the Lankans, his team went down and lost the second game on the trot in the three-match series.
"It is always disappointing to lose, no matter how many runs I score individually," Mushfiqur said.
"After our World Cup campaign, this series was an opportunity to prove that we are on the right path. Maybe we haven't been able to do in the last two matches but that doesn't mean our progress from the last five to seven years will vanish suddenly. We are certainly going through a struggling period, so the challenge is to turn it around quickly. We are all trying our best to make it happen. We have another opportunity in the next match."
Talking about his game-plan in the second game, Mushi added that he wanted the team to get to the 250-run mark.
"I was trying to get the team to the 250-mark, which wouldn't have been easy to chase," he said. "I was trying to keep strike in the last over so that I can retain strike with twos, fours or sixes. Ultimately it is not a problem [to not get to a hundred]. Our focus is to win the next game, because it is a matter of pride."
He also added that the poor form of senior players Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah has hurt Bangladesh, as it has increased the pressure on the others.
"Tamim and Riyad bhai have been performing for years but when they are not clicking, the pressure is a little more on the other players. Big players can soak up the pressure in big games, and counter-attack. I think we are a little behind in that regard, but they are trying heart and soul. The quicker they can come back, it will be better for the team."
