We've suffered a batting collapse in two consecutive matches, says Mashrafe Mortaza

Bangladesh had lost two successive matches against Afghanistan and India in the Asia Cup. While Afghanistan had won the match by 136 runs, India overwhelmed Bangladesh with seven wickets to spare. Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza has blamed the openers of his team for the batting collapse in the last two matches and feels that the failure of the top order, puts too much of undue pressure on the middle order.

“We've suffered a batting collapse in two consecutive matches. But I still think we aren't out of the tournament. There are definitely opportunities for us to come back. We are getting a day, we will have regroup and play the next match,” Mortaza said.

“Middle-order batsmen have to build the innings when wicket falls early. It is difficult to always expect from the middle-order. Losing two wickets in such matches, creates a lot of pressure on the middle order,” he added.

Further, the Bangladesh skipper mentioned that he was not made aware of the fact that Soumya Sarkar and Imrul Kayes will be joining the team for the rest of the Asia Cup. As Nazmul Hossain and Liton Das had been less than successful in their opening endeavours, Bangladesh selectors decided to bring in the two left-handed batsmen in form of Sarkar and Kayes. 

Mortaza, however, feels that the two batsmen have not covered the basic training to overcome their deficiencies as batsmen. They have been dropped from the team before, considering their less than impressive form.

“I'm still not sure about those who are coming, there has been no discussion. The matter is not clear yet. They were out of the team in the same way... by not performing. Now they are returning to the team in such conditions and such pressure. I do not know what they technical aspects they've worked on. Whether they are fixing the problems - which put them out of the team - or not, these things will matter a lot in this tournament,” he said.

“And especially if you think Afghanistan's match, they [newly added batsmen] have to deal with more difficult bowlers. It surely won't be easy for anyone. Everything is difficult in international cricket," he added.

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