Different stripes

Given the 6-0 drubbing across the three-ODI and three-T20I series that the Tigers have suffered on tour in New Zealand, there is understandably not a lot of bright spots that jump out from the Tigers' stay so far. As has been repeated throughout the tour, the main shortcoming has been the failure to perform collectively. In that spirit, here is our pick of three cricketers who have kept their reputations intact and three who have let themselves down. We start with the positives.

Mashrafe Bin Mortaza 

ODIs: Three wickets at an economy rate of 5.40 

When you think of Bangladesh's bowlers you expect the likes of Mustafizur Rahman, Shakib Al Hasan and Taskin Ahmed to control the proceedings. However, in the ODIs, it was Mashrafe's defiance that stood out. He recorded an impressive economy rate of 5.40. Only Mustafizur, who played two ODIs, recorded a better economy rate of 4.86. It was his consistency in the ODIs, especially the starts he gave, that helped Bangladesh get an edge at the start of each of the ODIs. Unfortunately, none of the games ended well.  

Rubel Hossain 

 T20Is: Seven wickets at 15.85 

Prior to this series, Rubel Hossain was down and out. He was not even selected in the preliminary squad of the New Zealand series. He got in as a replacement once the likes of Shafiul Islam and Mohammad Shahid got injured. However, the 27-year-old displayed his experience in T20s by ending up as the highest wicket-taker of the series. He took two three-wicket hauls in the last two games and troubled the New Zealand batsmen with his clever changes of pace. 

Mosaddek Hossain

ODIs: 64 runs at 32 (one 50). 

T20Is: Two wickets at 29

Mosaddek may not have done anything out of the ordinary on this tour, but the grit that he has shown in his first ever international tour outside Bangladesh suggests that this youngster has a big heart. Some of his powerful drives through cover and his impeccable cuts through point were delightful to watch. With the ball, he bowled during tense situations in the T20Is and did not fail to make a mark. Give him some more time and he could be a crucial player for Bangladesh in the Champions Trophy. 

Disappointments

Mahmudullah Riyad

ODIs: 4 runs at 1.33. 

T20Is: 89 runs at 29.66

Scores of zero, one and three in the ODI series was least expected from the man who hit back-to-back tons in the ICC World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in 2015 -- the second one against New Zealand in New Zealand. Instead, he seemed to struggle against the pace of Lockie Ferguson and surrendered his wickets in the ODIs. 

His class came through in the T20Is but it was too little too late and he faltered in the format most likely to deliver a win.

TAMIM IQBAL

ODIs: 113 runs at 37.66. 

T20Is: 48 runs at 16

Although he was the second-highest run-scorer in the ODIs, as the best batsman in the side he is held to a higher standard. In all the matches, even during his innings of 59 in the third ODI, Bangladesh suffered from his failure to do what he has become known for doing in recent times -- making up for sedate starts with a big score with a rapid end. He got the sedate start right, but not much else.

Taskin Ahmed

ODIs: 4 wickets at 39 and 6rpo. 

T20Is: Econ. rate of 9.25

Much was expected of Taskin on tour, as his pace was thought to be perfect for conditions in New Zealand. But, especially in the first ODI and in his only T20I (the third), the ball came off the bat faster than he bowled it. In the first ODI, he was guilty of not adjusting his plans even when Tom Latham and Colin Munro were routinely hitting his short balls for six. In the third T20I, he was one of the bowlers responsible for letting New Zealand off the hook.