Rahim delights in coping under pressure

Cricket365
November 3, 2013

Captain Mushfiqur Rahim was elated after winning a toss that ultimately carried Bangladesh to a four-wicket victory – and three-nil series triumph – over New Zealand in Sunday's third and final ODI in Fatullah.

The Black Caps posted a formidable total of 307 for five on the back of former captain Ross Taylor's century and complementary cameos from the hard-hitting Colin Munro and openers Anton Devcich and Tom Latham.

The Tigers' response was swift, with the talented Shamsur Rahman and Naeem Islam welcoming half-centuries – before aspiring all-rounder Sohag Gazi ensured the result with four deliveries to spare.

"It wasn't a win-the-toss-bat-first kind of wicket. Since it was a day game, we wanted to use early swing in the first five to ten overs, take wickets and put them on pressure," said Rahim.

"But they started well and it seemed like they would score 320 to 330 at one point. A score like 307, with the new ODI rules, is not a big target. We just tried to play at our best."

"I think the small contributions were a lot in numbers. The young players are playing well, putting pressure on the senior players. We also have to try to hold our position."

Rahman was named Man of the Match for a 96-run vigil that spanned 107 deliveries and featured seven fours and four sixes, while Rahim claimed the Player of the Series award – thanks largely to 123 runs in three innings.

"I never thought of becoming the Man of the Series. I was congratulating Naeem because he is the highest scorer, so he was unlucky that I got it. He wasn't supposed to play," added Rahim.

The Tigers and Black Caps will meet for a one-off Twenty20 International at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka on Wednesday.