CT 2017: We need junior players to step up on big days, says Mashrafe Mortaza

This was the first time that the Bangla tigers had made it to the semi-finals of an ICC event.

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Mashrafe Mortaza
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Mashrafe Mortaza of Bangladesh. (Photo by Harry Trump-IDI/IDI via Getty Images)

The hopes of all Bangladeshi fans crashed when the team India beat Bangladesh in the second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy. This was the first time that the Bangla tigers had made it to the semi-finals of an ICC event. Skipper Mashrafe Mortaza tipped the achievement to be a ‘totally unexpected’ one. Things would have been even sweeter had they upset the defending champions in the big game.

However, it was a totally dominating performance by the Indian team that outclassed the Bangladesh side on the day. A thundering unbeaten ton from Rohit Sharma was well supported by an unbeaten 96 from Virat Kohli that saw India register a 9 wicket win in the big game. They will now take on arch rivals Pakistan in the final on June 18. Needless to say, team India have a lot to look forward to.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh can only regret about things that could have been better for them. They had lost Soumya Sarkar for a duck and Sabbir Rahman had perished cheaply. However, Mushfiqur Rahim and Tamim Iqbal then put on a 123-run stand for the third wicket. What did not work for them was the departure of the two set batsmen in quick succession. Skipper Mashrafe Mortaza rued the same as per the quotes in Hindustan times.

“The way we started, Bangladesh should have scored 330-340, but the wickets of Tamim, Mushfiqur and Shakib (al Hasan) hurt us. We need junior players to step up on big days and that’s where our challenge lies,” quoted Mashrafe Mortaza.

Selectors need not chop and change

He further noted that the youngsters need to step up. With experience, they will get better and the future of Bangladesh cricket is certainly in safe hands for now. “We have the players and the skills. The junior boys will have more experience in two years time and we will be mentally stronger. The selectors need not chop and change,” added Mortaza.

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