Mindset for longer innings key as Tigresses seek further history

Bangladesh bowlers have made their presence felt in this ODI series against India but the visitors, with Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues among others, have shown their experience when the game was in balance in the second fixture to level the series.

Coming into the series-deciding third ODI, the onus would be on the Bangladesh batters to bring forth their knowledge of the conditions, which could prove decisive. Having to deal with injuries to key batters would also be a headache for the home side at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur today.

Slow and low tracks have offered quite a bit of turn for the spinners and while India batters have struggled in these conditions, their Bangladeshi counterparts did not capitalise.

Fargana Hoque and Ritu Moni looked in control with a 68-run stand but lost their way in the second ODI, triggering a batting collapse.

Head coach Hasahan Tillakaratne was well aware of the batting collapse, saying that the mental aspect for batting for a longer time was still lacking. Fargana lost her wicket while batting to the situation and the team management have focused on those situations.

"Yes, it [batting collapse] is a big concern. Most difficult thing is to get in and once you get a good start you don't throw your wicket away. Biggest concern is eating up lots of dot balls. Also, in the Powerplay we are very much behind with the rate, so we have had few discussions. I am sure they will come up with some good performance tomorrow," Hashan was hopeful.

The home side need the top-order to click unless they want the lower-middle order to once again deal with a crisis. Murshida Khatun played some scintillating shots at the top but was unable to put a high price to her wicket, something Hashan pinpointed.

"She [Murshida] got a good start and she threw away the wicket. That is where we need to work with them, we need to be a little patient with them.

"They are technically sound but the mindset is not prepared to play long innings. Also, the fitness is a little below-par, so we are working with them right now," he added.

Skipper Nigar Sultana and batter Shorna Akter are still struggling with fitness, with the latter unable to play any of the ODIs so far this series. Fahima Khatun, who came to the press conference yesterday, said their discussions have been around putting up a healthy score. Marufa Akter has been a standout pacer, rattling India in the first game while leg-spinner Rabeya Khatun has been consistent.

India's Smriti Mandhana was effusive in praise of Marufa.

"So, her ball definitely skids a little more than what we expect from her release point. Definitely, a very good cricketer, I would say. I had a small chat with her after the [first] match. Just congratulating her and saying that her efforts have really inspired all of us as well," Smriti said.

The Tigresses will know that their strength lies in bowling and another bowling performance like the first ODI may well lead to another historic win.