Mahedi Hasan, the talented all-rounder of Bangladesh, spoke on Wednesday about their ambition to create history in the ongoing three-match T20I series against New Zealand. This comes after the team achieved their first-ever victory in the shortest format against the Kiwis on their own turf.
Bangladesh secured a remarkable five-wicket win over New Zealand by reaching 137-5 in 18.4 overs after restricting the opponents to a mere 136, courtesy of an impressive team effort in bowling. This triumph marks their first-ever Twenty20 victory on New Zealand soil, breaking a streak of nine consecutive defeats.
With the next two matches taking place in Mount Maunganui, where Bangladesh had previously celebrated their first Test win over New Zealand, the team is optimistic about their chances in the T20s. Mahedi, who received the man of the match award for his exceptional all-round performance, expressed confidence in their prospects in the upcoming games.
"When you win, confidence grows both as a player and as a team. We are heading to Mount Maunganui, a place with good memories for us. We won a Test match there, and we have a good chance in the T20s," Mahedi shared with reporters after the game in Napier.
Mahedi emphasized the crucial role played by the bowlers, stating, "When the bowlers perform well, it boosts the team's confidence." He highlighted the collective effort of the entire bowling unit in restricting New Zealand to a modest total, noting the impressive performances from both spinners and pacers.
In addition, Mahedi credited Liton Das for guiding him during their crucial unbeaten 40-run partnership that sealed the historic win. Liton's understanding of the pitch and his encouragement to play a natural game proved instrumental in their victory.
The talented all-rounder acknowledged the ebb and flow of momentum during a game, recognizing that it can shift quickly. "The momentum will change in the course of a game, and that is natural," Mahedi explained. He stressed the importance of adapting swiftly to new conditions as they head into the next matches in Mount Maunganui.
The recent success in both bowling and batting has injected a renewed sense of optimism and confidence into the Bangladesh team. As they prepare for the upcoming matches, they are determined to build on their recent achievements and continue their winning streak, aiming to leave an indelible mark on this T20I series against New Zealand.
Overall, Mahedi's appreciation of the bowlers' contributions and his confidence in the team's capabilities reflects a positive mindset within the Bangladesh camp. With their sights set on rewriting history, the team aspires to deliver more memorable performances in the remainder of the series.