For ODI captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, the focus is now firmly on improving Bangladesh’s batting after their commanding start to the West Indies series. While the bowlers continue to deliver consistently, Miraz believes the batters must step up if the team is to convert strong performances into regular victories.
Following the 3–0 whitewash against Afghanistan, the home series against West Indies provided a crucial test of character. Although Bangladesh had returned from Abu Dhabi without a win, they began the ODI series in Mirpur with a 74-run triumph, a result that lifted spirits but also exposed lingering concerns with the batting unit.
Bangladesh were bowled out for 207, relying on their bowlers to secure the win. Miraz acknowledged the need for his team to improve with the bat. “In the last few matches, we played well but couldn’t finish strongly. We still believe we’re a team capable of bouncing back,” he said. “The boys did really well today. Recently, we’ve had more T20s than ODIs, so it’s good to be back in this format again.”
Miraz praised the contributions of Towhid Hridoy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, and debutant Mahidul Islam Ankon, who provided stability in the middle order. “Shanto and Hridoy deserve credit,” he added. “Ankon showed great composure and played according to the situation, while Rishad played a brilliant little innings that lifted our total.”
With this being Bangladesh’s final ODI series of the year, Miraz wants his team to focus on positive, run-scoring cricket going forward. “Next year, we have several ODI series lined up,” he said. “We have to stay positive and focus on making runs. If we can do that, we can win any match.”
