Warm-up victory a confidence-booster for Tigers: Mahmud
Collected
|| CF Correspondent ||
Bangladesh gained a much-needed confidence by winning the warm-up game with a five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka Board President’s XI, a thing that will give them a psychological edge over the hosts Sri Lanka in three-match ODI series, said team’s interim coach Khaled Mahmud Sujon.
He said the victory gives the side a winning habit which is important ahead of the series—an important series for Bangladesh to erase the disappointment of World Cup, which they finished at eighth.
The first match of series is on Friday while the rest of the two ODIs will be held on July 28 and 31 and all of the matches will be taken place at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
“I always say winning is a habit so the yesterday’s victory is very important for us,” Mahmud told the reporters on Wednesday in Colombo.
“We came up here in different condition from England even though Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have similar weather. But the heat is scorching here. That’s why a warm-up game and victory in this is really good for us. We have chased down 270 plus (282) with quite ease.”
“It’s a moral victory for us and it will give us the confidence ahead of the series opener.”
Mohammad Mithun, batting at No. 3 led the victory with well-composed 91 while Mushfiqur Rahim blasted 46 ball-50 to script the facile five-wicket victory.
Mahmud was particularly happy with the performance of Mithun, who came to bat in a position where Shakib Al Hasan was so successful in World Cup.
Watching Mithun fill the big shoes was a treat to watch, said Mahmud.
“I am really satisfied with the innings he [Mithun] he played,” Mahmud said. “Before coming to Sri Lanka, he played an 85-run knock against Afghanistan A in the country. I think he could be a good batsman for No.3 position. Even he batted at opening position too.”
