Bangladesh senior assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin has expressed satisfaction with how the team’s middle order is performing in T20 cricket, saying the unit has shown clear progress despite Bangladesh having tried multiple batting combinations after some experienced players moved on. In the first T20I against New Zealand, Towhid Hridoy, Parvez Hossain Emon and Shamim Patowary played key roles as Bangladesh went on to post their highest successful chase in T20Is.
Middle-order stability after Bangladesh’s reshuffle
Salahuddin said Bangladesh have been working to lock in their middle-order by giving opportunities to Hridoy, Emon and Patowary, following a period of experimentation. He pointed out that the trio delivered when it mattered most, helping set up a successful chase that raised confidence across the squad.
Speaking about the chase in Chattogram, Salahuddin explained why the final overs felt more manageable for Bangladesh. He said the team always believes chasing 100 in the last 10 overs becomes easier because the ball comes onto the bat more cleanly, allowing batters to target one or two big overs. At the halfway stage, he noted that Bangladesh felt they might have been roughly 10 runs short, but the way Hridoy, Shamim and Emon batted made the task far simpler.
What’s improved: bravery and shot-making
The assistant coach also highlighted a shift in mindset when Bangladesh lose early wickets. He said that previously the side would often become a little cautious after losing two or three wickets, whereas in this match the batters approached the innings with more courage and played their shots.
- Salahuddin believes the biggest improvement has come in the middle overs, describing it as the most enhanced part of the team.
- He said the batters showed more bravery after early setbacks, rather than becoming overly cautious.
- He praised the shot selection and intent shown by Hridoy, Shamim and Emon as a major factor in easing the chase.
Building for the future and focusing on the next game
Salahuddin added that Bangladesh have been shaping this group for about a year as they have lost a few seasoned players, while new faces have been brought into the setup. He said the team gave those new entrants significant freedom and that the players have responded by taking responsibility, with improvement coming day by day as they mature into their roles.
While praising the progress in batting, Salahuddin also pointed to areas that need work ahead of the second match of the three-game series in Chattogram on April 29. He said Bangladesh are currently leaking runs in the first 10 overs and need to sharpen their overall fielding as well.
- Bangladesh need to improve their performance in the opening 10 overs, as Salahuddin said runs have been conceded too regularly.
- He added that the team tends to recover strongly afterward, calling that a positive sign.
- Salahuddin said fielding standards must rise, even though the players are young and can cover ground quickly.
- He stated that the squad must demonstrate they are good fielders as part of the next phase of improvement.
Salahuddin also acknowledged that the April 29 fixture could be affected by rain, based on the forecast, and stressed that Bangladesh will need to be ready for any change in conditions.
Series schedule
The second T20I of the series is set for April 29 in Chattogram, with weather conditions potentially influencing play. The final match is scheduled for May 2 at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
