Mushtaq Ahmed explains Bangladesh’s batting flaws after first T20I

Agency:

Spin Bowling Coach Mushtaq Ahmed faced the media after Bangladesh’s defeat in the first T20I and pointed out key flaws in the team’s batting approach.

Despite a decent start, Bangladesh faltered in the middle overs and ended with a below-par total of 154 – a score that Sri Lanka chased down comfortably with an over to spare.

Mushtaq highlighted the need for Bangladesh’s batters to convert starts into substantial innings, using Kusal Mendis’ consistency as a model example.

“We had a decent start but couldn’t build on it. What Kusal Mendis is doing – converting starts into big scores – our batters need to do the same. They can’t afford to get out after scoring just 30 or 40,” Mushtaq told reporters after the match.

Mushtaq also mentioned that the absence of middle-order batter Zakir Ali, who is sidelined due to a left thigh muscle injury, weakened Bangladesh’s batting unit.

On a more positive note, he praised the opening pair of Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan for their early intent. “They are good openers, but they have to learn quickly and avoid throwing their wickets away after getting set.”

One of the few bright spots for Bangladesh came late in the innings, when Shamim Hossain smashed a six off Maheesh Theekshana and scored an unbeaten 14 off just 5 balls. Mushtaq appreciated the intent:

“That kind of approach is what we need to see more of. In T20s, when a batter gets going, they have to capitalize and take the innings deep.”

Only skipper Litton Das failed to reach double figures in the match, further highlighting Bangladesh’s inconsistent top-order performance. Mushtaq believes if Bangladesh had managed to score 170-180 instead of being restricted to 154, the match could have played out very differently.

“We have to give credit to Sri Lanka’s bowlers,” he added. “They bowled well – good yorkers, clever slower balls – and executed their plans effectively.”