Mehidy Hasan proved to be the game-changer for Bangladesh as they ended their 10 match losing streak across formats and managed to register a 33 runs victory to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. The off-spinner who bagged 4 wickets for just 30 runs said that he didn’t try to alter his bowling plans which eventually helped him and his side to register a convincing win.
He finished with figures of 4/30 and was instrumental in pushing the visitors on the back foot right from the word go. His spell helped Bangladesh control the game in the middle overs and despite a late assault from Wanindu Hasaranga, the bowlers held their nerves and sealed the deal.
Mehidy Hasan bagged the wicket of Danushka Gunathilaka in the powerplay followed by the wickets of Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Perera and Ashen Bandara in his second spell which broke Sri Lanka’s backbone.
''All I tried to do was contain the runs and bowled dot balls because if the batsman make mistakes, there is a higher chance of earning success,'' Mehidy told reporters after the game.
''I am bowling in the nets and I am communicating with the local coaches and taking their advice. Besides that Fahim Sir called me three or four days ago and has been giving guidelines on various aspects of bowling,'' he further added.
Mehidy felt that Bangladesh were well on top despite a late resurgence from Hasaranga which gave the visitors a glimmer of hope of an unlikely come from behind victory.
''He (Hasaranga) batted very well and was hitting cleanly but we always believed that if a wicket falls, we would get back into the match,'' said Mehidy.
"The only thing in our mind was that whenever the wicket falls we would come back because after that there was no batsman as that was their last pair,” the off-spinner concluded.
Riding on a brilliant 84 from the blade of Mushfiqur Rahim, Bangladesh went onto post a competitive 257 on the board in their allotted 50 overs. He was supported well by Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah as both chipped in with crucial half-centuries. Eventually, the target proved to be way too much for the Lankans. The two sides will lock horns in the second ODI on 25th May.