Few said that surprising resignation of former Head Coach Chandika Hathurusingha may create some impacts on the performance of the team tigers.
But from the performance of Mashrafe squad in Rocket Tri Nation series indicate that the team playing wonderfully well stress free cricket proving those pundits wrong playing positive aggressive cricket.
Things were not looking good in South Africa where Bangladesh had the ignominy of comprehensive white wash in all formats of the game. No expected Bangladesh winning any match there. In South Africa all teams especially teams from South Asia (India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) struggle adapting to conditions. But Bangladesh appeared completely out of context. Team chemistry was not looking good, shoulders were dropping, and repeatedly wrong strategies were seen adopted apparently from dictations from outside. Captain Mushfiq tried to speak hearts out. Finally not sharing responsibility for the dismal performance head coach Chandika Hathurusingha resigned without notice completely unprofessionally.
Bangladesh opted to leave the mentoring and coaching of the team temporarily on former Bangladesh Captain and Former team Manager Khaled Mahmood Sujon. Mashrafe and Shakib were entrusted with additional tasks. The team chemistry, body language completely changed. Hunger for success returned and team tigers started looking unbeatable again in ODI at home.
Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka led by two former leading members of Bangladesh Coaching stuff Heath Streak and Chandika Hathurusingha were simply blown away. The cricket that team tigers played in Rocket three nation ODI series amply demonstrate that something was very wrong with team management.
Off course print, electronic and social media were reporting about clash of personality between senior players and head coach for a while. Under business as usual Mashrafe would not have suddenly retired from T20 international, Mushfiq did not have to make mild protest, Shakib had no reason for skipping test series in South Africa. These all happened for unhealthy atmosphere in the dressing room.
This write up would try to identify, assess what changed Bangladesh to its former good self. Mashrafe never changes. He is one and unique. His leading by example charismatic leadership made team Tigers turn around from the very first match of the tri nation series.
Zimbabwe had no clue to superlative all round performance in the first match. On a foggy day Bangladesh bowled superbly restricting the visitors below 200 and raced to overhaul the target losing 2 wickets only. Mashrafe winning the toss and putting Zimbabweans to bat surprised all starting with left arm spin attack from either side. Refreshed Shakib striking double blow in the very first over pushed the visitors back to the wall.
All the bowlers Mashrafe, Mustafiz, Rubel and Sunzamul bowled exceedingly well. Especially Mustafiz back in business looked almost unplayable. While batting, Tamim had Anamul Bijoy as his partner after a while. Anamul failed to deliver. But tweeting Tamim found ideal foil in his favorite mate Shakib slotted at number three. Two champion batsmen carried Bangladesh close to the target before Shakib losing his wicket. Tamim and Mushfiq did the rest.
The second match was battle of nerve against Hathurusingha mentored Sri Lanka. For a while Sri Lanka is struggling in international cricket following retirement of their cricket icons Tillakaratne Dilshan, Mahela Jayawardene and Kumara Sangakkara. Hathuru even overlooked Lasith Malinga for the series.
Bating aggressively, Bangladesh raced to mammoth 302 in allotted overs. Tamim, Shakib and Mushfiq scored half centuries. Bijoy and Sabbir also contributed. Lankan bowling looked pretty ordinary. On the same wicket aggressive Bangladesh bowling left the visitors puzzled and perplexed. Sri Lanka had to digest massive defeat by 163 runs.
Bangladesh sealed the victory by the highest margin in ODI. When Hathurusingha took over Bangladesh he had 5 experienced quality players and a well settled Bangladesh team. Successes came almost immediately. Now it will be real challenge for him to bring back to track a depleted Sri Lankan team. His skill as coach will be severely stressed.
Surprising many Zimbabwe piped Sri Lanka for the post in the first encounter but went down fighting in the second.
When Zimbabwe met Bangladesh a second time they were higher in points table for better run rates. Bowling admirably well on turning track they restricted Bangladesh to 216/9. The visitors bowled and fielded well enough creating serious worries for Bangladesh. None but Tamim and Shakib could bat at all well. The middle order collapsed with 6 batsmen failing to reach double figure. They could reach 216/9 only through tail wagging Sunzamul and Mustafiz batted with responsibility.
While defending such a low score Bangladesh bowled out of the skins with senior pros Shakib and Mahrafe showing the way. Mustafiz as usual was unplayable. Rokkie Sunzamul also bowled on tight length and line. Bangladesh won big by 91 runs.
BDST: 1033 HRS, JAN 24, 2018
SI
