Muted celebration disappoints Mash

After Shakib Al Hasan nudged a single down to third man to score the winning run and snatch a historic series-victory against Pakistan last night, the Tigers were expected to have broken out in emphatic celebrations.

But curiously the Tigers were as businesslike and calm in their celebrations as they were during the course of the match. Shakib went on to hug centurion Tamim Iqbal as the latter raised his bat while walking back to the dressing room. Coach Chandika Hathurusingha greeted Tamim and patted him while the players exchanged pleasantries. And that was about it.

The muted nature of celebration was unlike the Tigers, known for animated nature of celebrating, and it took quite a few by surprise including the skipper Mashrafe Bin Mortaza himself.

When asked about the mode of celebration in the post-match press conference, the Bangladesh skipper leader expressed his disappointment and felt the team should have showed more emotions to reflect what they had achieved.

"I think the players should feel proud," said Mashrafe, cutting a rather dejected figure.

"Maybe they shouldn't show off but they should feel proud because the way the team won the match was something to be proud of. If we don't celebrate the win, the win won't feel good. So we have to celebrate," added the Tigers' skipper.

The 31-year-old pace bowler, who came back into the side after missing out on the first ODI due to a suspension, recalled an incident from Bangladesh's tour of Australia in 2003 to make his point. 

"In 2003, I witnessed how wildly Australia celebrated their success after beating us within two-and-a-half days (in a Test match in Darwin). The win against a team like ours was an expected one for Australians but still they celebrated it wildly. I don't know what happens outside, but the players need to celebrate this win," opined Mashrafe.