Shanto: We should change our mentality, mindset. Bangladesh captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto believes there is no issue with the Tigers’ skillset, despite their unexpected loss in the Twenty20 international series against the 19th-ranked USA team. Instead, he emphasizes the need to change their mentality and mindset to avoid a humiliating whitewash in the third and final game.
The Tigers began their USA tour, just before the T20 World Cup, with a surprising five-wicket defeat to the hosts last Tuesday. They faced another setback on Thursday when the spirited USA team defended a modest total of 144, winning by a six-run margin against the Test-playing nation.
Shanto: We should change our mentality, mindset
A dejected Shanto is hopeful for a better performance in the third match, particularly from the batting unit, which has been underperforming in recent games. “I think it’s very disappointing for us. We lost wickets in almost every over in the middle. That is the main reason we lost the match. I hope we can play some good cricket in the next game. I don’t think it’s a problem with the skill. We need to change our mentality and mindset,” Shanto stated.
All-rounder Shakib Al Hasan also commented on the losses, insisting that they did not underestimate the USA team. “Yes, of course, it is disappointing. We didn’t expect that. Credit goes to the USA side for the way they played,” Shakib said after the match. He emphasized that in T20 cricket, there are no small teams, and any team can win on any given day. “Any match you lose as a team is disappointing, and you don’t want to lose a game. But having said that, we have to play the T20 World Cup, and this series might be a wake-up call for us as we haven’t played the way we want to play.”
Shakib highlighted the need for collective responsibility, saying, “It’s a team game, and everyone has to take responsibility. You win as a team, and you lose as a team. T20 is such a format where you have to play very good cricket in all three departments to win against any side. There are no small or big teams in T20 cricket, and that’s why it is more exciting than any other format. The proof of that is in the last two games, the way the USA played.”
The USA team, led by Monank Patel, proved their first win was no fluke. They posted 144/6 and bowled Bangladesh out for 138 at Prairie View in Houston. Patel (42) and Steven Taylor (31) provided a strong start, with Aaron Jones adding 35 to set a competitive total. Shanto (36) and Shakib (30) kept Bangladesh in the chase, but their batting lineup collapsed with three balls left in the innings. Ali Khan’s three crucial wickets in the death overs sealed the victory for the hosts.
Reflecting on the win, Patel said, “I think the way our bowlers bowled in the powerplay and especially in the last five overs, we used the conditions really well, and they got the wickets at the right time.” He added that a series sweep would be a significant confidence boost heading into the T20 World Cup, which the USA co-hosts with the West Indies.
While a 3-0 series sweep would be a major boost for the USA, Bangladesh will need to introspect after consecutive losses to a tier-two team.