Bangladesh women’s cricket team is facing some injury concerns ahead of the decider against India in the three-match ODI series.
Shorna Akter, who experienced stomach pain during the opening game, did not play in the second match and is unlikely to be available for the series decider. Additionally, skipper Nigar Sultana felt unwell due to heat during the second game and vomited several times, making her doubtful for the upcoming match.
Despite these challenges, coach Tillakaratne expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back and perform well in the decider. He highlighted the technical abilities of the players and stated that they have invested in the team, but emphasized the need to work on their mindset and fitness levels. A new trainer from England is currently working with the players, and there are plans for a fitness camp after the series to address these issues.
“She (Shorna) is unfit at the moment,” Bangladesh women’s head coach Hashan Tillakaratne told reporters ahead of the do-or-die game at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Friday.
“Yes, still Joty is not fully fit and we will have a fitness test tomorrow and we will take a call tomorrow morning,” he said, adding that they are expecting a better performance in the last game.
“They are confident. Just that second game didn’t go as we expected. We had a few discussions after last game. We have come up with some plans. Now players are very confident and we are hoping that they will come up with good performance tomorrow,” he said.
Tillakaratne, one of the significant concerns for the team is the consistency of their batting unit. He acknowledged that the batters have the technical abilities but emphasized that they need to work on being more patient with their approach to the game. He mentioned that the team has invested in these players, indicating that they have potential and talent, but they need to show more composure and discipline while batting.
“Yes it’s is a big concern. The most difficult thing is to get in once you get a good start and you don’t throw your wicket away. So second game 103-3 after 29th over we thought we are line with the required run rate but unfortunately losing Pinky at that time it cost us the game,” said Tillakaratne.
“The biggest concern is eating up lots of dot balls. We have had few discussions. I am sure they will come up with some good performance tomorrow,” he said, adding that Murshida Khatun needs to be more consistent with the bat.
“Yes she is one of the technically correct batters we have and also in the first game she got a good start and she threw away her wicket. That is where we need to work with them and need to be a little patient with them. We have invested on them and I am sure they will come good,” he said, adding that they need to work harder with their fitness as it is below-par.
“I think they are technically sound if you watch them very closely, but the mindset is not there to play long innings and so we need to work with them. Also, the fitness is a little below-par so we are working with them right now. We have a new trainer from England and he is working with them and after this series we will have a fitness camp for six weeks and I am sure they will come good,” he added.
