Captain Shanto Confident About Winning the Series

After a crushing 92-run defeat in the first ODI, Bangladesh made a strong comeback in the second match, defeating Afghanistan by 68 runs. With both teams having one win each, the series is now tied 1-1. Despite the heavy loss in the first match, the Tigers still have a good chance of winning the series. Following the loss in the opening match, Mehidy Hasan Miraz had expressed confidence about bouncing back, and now, after the second match victory, Najmul Hossain Shanto has echoed similar sentiments.

Speaking to the media after the match, Shanto stated that winning the series is still possible, emphasizing the importance of following the right processes rather than focusing on results. "It's definitely important, but if we focus on the process rather than the result, and if we trust the plans we've made and each other, then we can win the series. I don't really believe in the result; if the process is right and the players give 100% on the field, then I'm happy. I believe that if we follow the process and give our best, we will win most of our matches," Shanto said during the post-match press conference.

Shanto also acknowledged that there is room for improvement. He addressed the missed stumping by Zakir Ali Onik, clarifying that it was not a clear mistake. "In this match, we didn’t do everything 100%. There are areas we can improve. The stumping issue with Zakir wasn’t actually a stumping opportunity. He had come down the wicket, but the ball came so slowly that there wasn’t enough time to make the stumping. The batter was already heading back. There was no mistake from the keeper here. There may be one or two such moments, but overall, I think if we can fix these minor areas, we’ll win more comfortably. These small improvements will help us in the bigger matches ahead."

Shanto remains optimistic about the team's progress and believes that addressing these small details will be crucial in upcoming games.