Bangladesh captain Litton Das has criticised his side’s lower middle-order after another underwhelming display, stressing the need for improved contributions in T20 cricket.
New Zealand levelled the series with a six-wicket win in the final match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on May 2. Bangladesh struggled with the bat, collapsing from 88 for 6 to be bowled out for 102 in a rain-shortened 15-over contest.
Persistent Lower-Order Concerns
The lack of runs from the lower order has been an ongoing issue, with Bangladesh’s No. 8 to 11 batters averaging 17.155 at a strike rate of 127.77 in T20Is over the past year. Das admitted that the inability to add crucial runs cost his side again.
Reflecting on the defeat, he said: “Obviously, if we had scored more runs with the bat, the scenario could have been different. In the first press conference, I said one thing – our lower-order batters have responsibility, and we want input from them with the bat. Today there was an opportunity, but again it was a failure.”
Missed Opportunity in the Middle
Das also pointed to missed chances earlier in the innings that could have changed the outcome.
More Read
“If you look at their innings, two batters played the key roles as well. So if the break hadn’t happened and if I could have cashed in from there to score 60-70 runs, it could have been a different story. But that’s cricket. I don’t think there’s any problem with the six batters we’re playing. But at the same time, from players like Rishad [Hosein], Sheikh Mahedi [Hasan], in fact [Tanzim Hasan] Sakib or [Mohammed] Saifuddin – whoever plays – we expect some batting contribution,” he added.
Team Balance Remains Key
The captain emphasised the challenge of maintaining balance in the T20 format, highlighting the necessity of fielding five bowlers.
“In T20 cricket, we can’t go without five bowlers. If I take nine batters, then I’ll have to play with three bowlers. If you have any solution, you can give it to us,” he said.
More Read
“If you play a batter at No. 7, then you can’t complete four overs of bowling. Cricket is played with 11 players. Out of them, five bowlers have to complete the 20-over quota. One bowler can’t bowl five overs in T20s. So I have to play five bowlers. If there’s any player in Bangladesh who you think can bat at seven and bowl four overs, then tell us. We’ll find him. Is there anyone else in your eyes? That’s what I’m asking you,” Das added.
Hope for Improvement
Despite the criticism, Das expressed confidence that the lower-order batters will improve with time.
“They’ve been working on it for a long time. Our batting coaches are spending time behind them. Obviously, you can’t change overnight and it’s not possible either. But they are trying. I hope by the time the World Cup comes, things will improve at least somewhat,” he said.
“Everyone is trying. Even if you watch, you’ll see everyone bats till the end in the nets. But batting in the nets and batting in a match are very different things. I hope if they perform in matches, their confidence will build up further,” he added.
Backing the Top Order
Das maintained his support for the top six batters, despite inconsistent returns from openers Saif Hassan and Tanzid Hasan Tamim.
“The six regular batters who are playing are in very good shape. And in T20 cricket, you have to accept that. Also, today’s game was totally different – you have to accept that every day you can’t start hitting from the first ball. One or two batters will fail. The very good thing was, if mine and Hridoy’s partnership had continued, maybe the scenario would have been different. Because you know in T20s, although 11 players play, generally two bowlers and two batters perform,” he concluded.
More Read
Series Summary
Bangladesh had taken a 1-0 lead in the series with a six-wicket win in the opening match, while the second game in Chattogram was washed out before New Zealand secured victory in the final match to draw the series.
