Lack of Partnerships Cost Bangladesh Series, Admits ODI Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz

Bangladesh ODI captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz expressed disappointment over his team's inability to build meaningful partnerships during their failed 286-run chase in the third ODI against Sri Lanka in Pallekele. The 99-run loss sealed a 2-1 series defeat for Bangladesh, who also lost the preceding Test series.

Mehidy pointed to Sri Lanka’s game-defining 124-run fourth-wicket stand between Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka as the turning point, contrasting it with Bangladesh’s scattered efforts. "We just couldn't put together partnerships like Sri Lanka," Mehidy said. "They were 100 for 3, but that one big partnership took the game away from us."

Towhid Hridoy top-scored for Bangladesh with a gritty 51 and shared brief stands with Parvez Hossain Emon and Mehidy himself, but none of the partnerships grew beyond the 40-run mark. Mehidy, who contributed 28 off 25 balls before holing out, acknowledged his own dismissal came at a key moment. "I tried to take a calculated risk, but couldn’t execute it. That put pressure back on the team."

Another glaring concern for Mehidy was Bangladesh’s repeated failure to bat out their full 50 overs. They were dismissed in under 40 overs in two of the three matches. "It’s a big concern. Not finishing the innings cost us chances to build or chase competitive totals," he said.

Mehidy emphasized the need for greater responsibility from the middle order, especially when chasing. He also noted that despite Hridoy's efforts, the lack of support from other batters prevented him from accelerating when set. "If we had supported him better, he could have scored quicker. It’s tough when wickets keep falling."

Still, the skipper said he wouldn’t curb his players’ natural game. “Our top order likes to play with some risk to find boundaries. I want to back their strengths,” Mehidy said, adding that the team needs to focus on strike rotation and building momentum through safer, smarter cricket.

With plenty of cricket still ahead, Mehidy stressed the importance of learning from these setbacks and tightening up in key areas like batting discipline and partnership building.

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