As Bangladesh prepare to take on New Zealand in the series decider following a 1-1 draw in the three-match ODI series, pace bowling coach Shaun Tait has acknowledged that there is always pressure to win a series at the top level, on Wednesday.
Bangladesh began the series with a 26-run defeat while chasing 247 in the opener. However, they bounced back in the second ODI, chasing 198 with six wickets and 87 balls to spare. Given the situation, Thursday’s third ODI in Chattogram has effectively become a virtual final.
Bangladesh pace bowling coach Shaun Tait is backing his side to finish strongly in the series decider. In the press conference at the Bir Sreshtho Shahid Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium Tait said, “I think there’s always pressure to win the series. Whatever pressure looks like to anyone, whatever it is.”
With direct qualification for the ICC ODI World Cup in focus, Bangladesh will be keen to secure the series, especially with tough home assignments against Australia and India coming up.
“This is the top level and you’ve got to win series, especially when you put yourself in a position like we did winning the last game. We expect to win tomorrow,” Tait said.
On the team’s mood ahead of the decider, he added, “They feel relaxed today. We travelled down yesterday, and they seem relaxed to me. You take confidence from each win and I think there’s an expectation to win the game. There’s no doubt about that.”
