Gazi: We always believed we could win

Bangladesh all-rounder Sohag Gazi was delighted with the mental strength his side displayed against New Zealand, after they defended a small-ish total in the second ODI to beat the Black Caps by 40 runs and clinch the series.

Bangladesh all-rounder Sohag Gazi was delighted with the mental strength his side displayed against New Zealand, after they defended a small-ish total in the second ODI to beat the Black Caps by 40 runs and clinch the series.

The Tigers only made 247 all out in their knock and it didn't seem like enough, but good bowling by Gazi, who took three wickets along with Mashrafe Mortaza, saw the Kiwis collapse and lose their sixth game in a row against the former minnows.

Gazi said: "The turning point was when we broke that partnership (between Ross Taylor and Corey Anderson). We didn't give up, thinking that a stand like that is inevitable. We tried to build on dot balls, and made them commit a mistake.

"We could win today because we believed that it was possible to defend 247. The coach and captain told us before we went out on to the field that everything is possible today. We had to give 100% to make it possible."

Gazi then said he enjoyed bowling with the new ball, as he had been used in that capacity since his early days, saying: "I am accustomed to bowl with the new ball.

"That is how I started my career and I remember Saqlain [Mushtaq] bhai telling me at the time that all spinners are hammered but I should bowl to my strength. I do the same with the new ball, and I hardly have any trouble."

Adding to his wickets, Gazi also scored 26 valuable runs at the death, which turned the score from mediocre to defendable, and for his efforts he was named Man of the Match.

He said: "The team needed me to score today, and because I could do something substantial, I was chosen the best in the match. I think this team has players who will do their respective jobs very well.

"Rubel did well in the last game. Nobody relies on one person. We have to go ahead like this, so that someone or the other stands up when needed."

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