(UTV|COLOMBO) – After starring in Bangladesh’s tri-series final triumph over West Indies, Mosaddek Hossain said the side was capable of doing just as well in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019.
Hossain smashed 52 not out off just 24 balls, plundering 25 runs in the 22nd over of the chase, and thoroughly enjoyed batting on these pitches, saying they were extremely conducive to batting.
“We are going into the World Cup with a good amount of confidence, and hopefully it will help us perform well in the tournament,” the 23-year-old said after the match. “In England, the wicket will be much better, and if I get a chance to bat down the order and play these kind of innings, then certainly it will be good for us.
“During the break, the seniors said that the way we batted throughout the tournament, if we can stay till the end, we can win the game. Naturally, it feels good to perform and make contribution in the final. But what is more important is that we are well prepared for the World Cup.”
After winning the toss and electing to field first, Bangladesh failed to dismiss Windies’ in-form opening pair of Hope (74) and Sunil Ambris (69 n.o.) early as they plundered 144 runs for the first wicket. The West Indies had raced to 131/0 in 20.1 overs, scoring at nearly seven runs an over before the rain interrupted play.
After a lengthy rain delay, West Indies were left with only 3.5 more overs to bat. With their momentum lost, the men from the Caribbean managed to score only 21 runs, finishing on 152/1, setting Bangladesh a target of 210 in 24 overs after DLS revision. They held their nerve to secure what turned out to be a comfortable victory.
Mashrafe Mortaza, their captain, was delighted with team’s displays on the whole in the tournament. It was also a victory in a final after a long time for Bangladesh. In the last 10 years, they have reached six ODI finals, but a trophy remained elusive.
“Yes, obviously, it is a great feeling,” said Mortaza. “Hopefully it is just the start, and we will continue [in this manner in the future],” he said. “It’s been a long time we didn’t win [in finals], but eventually we won it on the seventh time.” (DN)
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