Due to a batting collapse, Bangladesh lost the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka 2-1. In the first ODI, chasing a target of 245 runs, Bangladesh were bowled out for 167 in 35.5 overs, losing the match by 77 runs.
In the second match, Bangladesh, under the leadership of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, made a comeback by scoring 248 runs and winning by 16 runs.
Then on Tuesday (July 8), in the third and final ODI held at Pallekele Stadium in Kandy, Bangladesh were bowled out for 186 while chasing 286, losing the match by 99 runs and thus conceding the series.
The defeat in the final match came down to poor batting. Speaking to reporters at Mirpur on Wednesday, former national team captain Akram Khan said,
“Watching our batsmen bat, it seems to me that they are not playing the natural cricket they usually play in the Dhaka League or here. Maybe they are over-conscious about the overs. I don’t think they are mentally fit. Perhaps they are taking too much pressure.”
The BCB director further added,
“From watching the game from a distance, it seems like the players are under too much pressure. I don’t know why they are so pressured. But if you’re under too much pressure, you can’t play your natural game. Judging by their batting style, some mistakes, and their attitude, it doesn’t look like they are playing natural cricket.”
Akram Khan also said,
“There are some attitude issues as well that impact the team. Some players show certain behaviors after getting run out… but no one in this team is a superstar; everyone who plays is an important player. If this continues, the team will continue to head in a negative direction. To play proper cricket, you have to improve in all aspects.”
Expressing his disappointment with the batsmen, Akram stated,
“These are very basic things for batsmen. They have to be done. Other teams who play well—you won’t find these mistakes among them. Sure, they win or lose matches—but they don’t have these problems. These issues are becoming major now. If it happened in one or two matches, that would be fine, but this is happening continuously—I’ve been noticing serious issues with the batsmen for the past two years.”
