Didn't intend to answer anyone, says Mashrafe
Mashrafe Mortaza
|| CF Correspondent ||
Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza said on Sunday that he did not wish to answer his critics with his stellar performance against West Indies in the three-match ODIs series opener.
The series against the West Indies is expected to be his last at home after he decided to join politics recently and hinted at his retirement after the World Cup next year.
Mashrafe looked to be busy with series preparation and overwhelmed by the mixed reaction of his fans for joining politics, but if there was one thing that cannot be ignored for the over 35-year-old pacer is that he was playing under immense pressure.
However, Mashrafe looked determined to take up the challenge and managed to come out victorious with his three-wicket haul despite many remained doubtful how he will fare against the Windies considering he did not have an ideal preparation.
The Bangladesh captain produced a outstanding performance to mark his 200th ODI as Bangladesh recorded a five-wicket win over West Indies in the first ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
Mashrafe led the side from the front, claiming 3/30 to strangle West Indies on a sluggish wicket from which they couldn’t escape and eventually got restricted to 195 for nine.
The Bangladesh batsmen made it one-way traffic, as Mushfiqur Rahim struck a 70-ball 55 not out to help the side chase it down with 89 balls to spare while the skipper’s economical bowling figure and the impact of his bowling in the match earned him the Man of the Match award.
When asked whether he was determined to answer his detractors with something like this, Mashrafe looked reluctant to accept it at the official media presser on Sunday.
“There is nothing like I had to answer anyone,” Mashrafee told reporters. “I have been playing for 18 years so it is hard to lose focus in such short notice.”
