‘Never felt like this being my last’

The last series of the year at home might have held special significance for the Bangladesh fans with it possibly being the last time that their beloved captain Mashrafe will lead the Tigers at home.

The captain does not play in T20s and Tests anymore and Bangladesh do not have any series at home upto the World Cup next year. Many perhaps feel that Mashrafe will bid his goodbye after the World Cup with the cricketer set to become a MP if things go well for him on the political front.

The cricketer in Mashrafe never gave up and it seems that in his mind the third ODI was not the end of the journey. He talked about the World Cup and the challenges ahead and reiterated that everyone will know about his decision when he has had time to think.

"To be honest and from the bottom of my heart, I have never deeply thought about [this being my last game]. There are challenges ahead, and I want to be more prepared to face those," he said referring to the New Zealand series and the World Cup.

"What I will do after the World Cup, I will decide after the last match in the World Cup. I will come home and tell you if I am no longer playing and if I want to review my situation, I will still let you know. So, don't be puzzled. Just relax," the captain who lead Bangladesh for the 70th time in ODIs today -- the highest by a Bangladesh captain, added.

Considering his participation in the upcoming election, Mashrafe's focus never wavered. He had earlier called a press conference to talk about his participation in elections. He thanked reporters today for not asking him anything other than cricketing questions during the series. "I was clear minded in knowing that I will first finish my job on the field, like any previous series. I can wish my team best for the T20Is, and I will go do my work," he concluded.