Need to improve in all departments: Mash

They had some nervy moments in the abandoned first match against Ireland and their batting and bowling failed to shine in the second match against New Zealand. That's why the Tigers will need to come up with their best when they meet hosts Ireland in the third match of the tri-series at Malahide in Dublin today.

Above all, the Tigers will be hoping that rain does not play foul like it did in the first game against the same opposition. Bangladesh have been struggling to cope with the cold, but it will be unbearable if rain denies them again.

Everyone knows how important Shakib Al Hasan's performance is to win a match, but the ace all-rounder is yet to make his mark, while Sabbir Rahman, who holds a very important batting position, has not been able to continue the form he showed in the warm-up.

So the team think-tank will be hoping that the two key performers will recover from their poor showings to give the Tigers their first win in the tri-series after their first game against Ireland was washed out and they suffered a four-wicket defeat to New Zealand in the second.

The players who took part in the second match only engaged in a gym session yesterday, while the non-playing members had net and fielding sessions. The Tigers may field an unchanged side, and they will be looking to senior players taking responsibility to turn the tables.

Captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza also emphasised on the need for improvement in all departments.

"I think 275-280 could have been a lot better [against New Zealand] but still I think bowling wise we also have to improve. We have to take wickets early up front. They attacked us, but I think Mustafizur [Rahman] bowled well. He got the wicket after coming in, but again I think it's about both bowling and batting. The mistakes which we made, we can't make those every day," Mashrafe said after the second match.

"I think we are not too far. If you look at our batting, three guys got runs but the problem was they got out. That is something we lack and I think we can learn from it and make sure we don't continue to repeat it. And obviously, as I said, bowling up front is very important in these conditions," he continued, adding that he was also dissatisfied with his bowling against New Zealand.

Mashrafe also hoped that Sabbir would get his rhythm back soon.

"He [Sabbir] has been playing well at number three. Obviously there are challenges on such a wicket, especially for a batsman from the subcontinent. I hope he can identify where he went wrong. He was in good touch but he hasn't been able to score for two matches but we believe he will return to run soon," he said.