Bangladesh coach Russell Domingo has praised his team's character for the manner in which they clung on to win the first ODI by one wicket, but he said they were aware that an improved performance was needed if they are to seal the series in the second ODI on Wednesday.
"I have been involved in some amazing games with Bangladesh," Domingo said. "We have had some narrows wins and losses, but that [the first ODI] was as close as they come. It shouldn't have been that tight. When we needed 59 runs with four wickets down, we were in a pretty good position. By far not the perfect performance. There's lot of work still to be done. But, to be able to win from that situation, says a lot about the team's character."
Bangladesh had slipped from 128 for 4 to 136 for 9 in the chase of 187, before a 51-run stand for the last wicket between Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mustafizur Rahman gave them a 1-0 lead in the series. If Bangladesh are able to seal the series against India, it will be their sixth win in their last seven ODI series.
"There is confidence in this format," Domingo said. "Our record in Bangladesh is very good. There's a sense of excitement to play against India, who are one of the big teams in the world. There's also a sense that India will come back strong. We have to play better cricket than the first game, particularly with the bat. We can't get away with it again."
Domingo said he had a long discussion with the team during the training session on Tuesday to stay in the present, rather than dwell on the victory in the first ODI. "The guys were ecstatic. Rightfully so. But come today, it's done. We have had a good long chat. We have to try to improve in every department tomorrow because we know it will be a tough game."
Domingo wasn't concerned about Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah, whose defensive batting put Bangladesh in a bit of trouble in the first ODI. Mushfiqur made 18 off 45 balls, while Mahmudullah scored 14 off 35.
"Firstly, I am going to defend my players," he said. "In the last two games in Zimbabwe, Mahmudullah got 80 and 39. I am very reluctant to say that [it is time to find their replacements]. Both players have times in their career when they are searching for runs.
"It was one ODI ago that [Mahmudullah] got 80. I have no concerns with him at the moment. All players go through these phases in the older phase of their careers. I still have a lot of faith in his ability and batting.
"I think his intensity dropped [in the first ODI] as he was looking more to survive than to score. That's why he missed that half volley on leg-stump. If he was looking to score, he would have probably hit that for two or four. It is just making sure that we get into the routine and rhythm of being more positive than looking to survive."
