Mirpur, Mar 13 (UNI) Bangladesh ODI captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz knows every match is crucial for his side as he eyes a series triumph against Pakistan and automatic qualification for the next edition of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Bangladesh registered an impressive eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in the opening match of their three-game series in Mirpur earlier this week and get the chance to open up an unassailable 2-0 series lead when the next contest gets underway at the same venue on Friday.
While the series victory is important to Bangladesh, winning every ODI fixture they play is also crucial as they aim to qualify directly for next year’s 50-over World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia as one of the top eight sides on the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings.
South Africa and Zimbabwe qualify for the World Cup automatically due to the fact they will co-host the event, but there is a log jam further down the rankings as teams jostle for their place in the 50-over showcase, according to ICC.
Bangladesh currently sit in 10th spot on the rankings just behind ninth-placed West Indies and Miraz admitted he is keeping close tabs on the situation ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
“The start (of this Pakistan series) has been very good for us,” Miraz said.
“Winning the first game is a big positive. We have many ODIs this year and rankings matter, so starting well feels really good.”
Miraz took three scalps during the opening match against Pakistan, with the all-rounder combining well with inexperienced pacer Nahid Rana to claim eight of the visitors’ wickets in what was an impressive display from the Asian side.
The Bangladesh captain admitted his bowling has been below-par in recent times, but a pair of games at domestic level in the Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) has helped him prepare for the series with Pakistan.
“I worked a lot on my bowling after going through a phase where I struggled,” Miraz noted.
“I knew where to improve and focused on those areas. I also played two BCL matches to work on it. Alhamdulillah, yesterday my bowling was much more under control.”
