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"We Want Someone Like...": BAN Coach Longs For A Kushal Mendis Like Batter

Soumyajit Dutta

Mushtaq  Ahmed [Source: @aryybhussain/X.com]Mushtaq  Ahmed [Source: @aryybhussain/X.com]

Bangladesh suffered a disappointing 7-wicket defeat in the first T20 against Sri Lanka in Chattogram. Batting first, the Tigers posted 154 runs. Sri Lanka, powered by Kusal Mendis's commanding 73 off 51 balls, chased down the target comfortably with 6 balls to spare, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Kusal Mendis continued his fine form after a century in the third ODI, troubling the Bangladeshi bowlers once again. His aggressive knock set the platform for Sri Lanka's victory, leaving the hosts searching for answers.

Mushtaq Ahmed Wants 'Mendis-Like' Effort From Bangladesh Batters

Bangladesh's spin bowling coach, Mushtaq Ahmed, acknowledged Mendis' impact and the need for similar contributions from his own batters. 

"Bowlers have got no answer for Kushal Mendis' batting, you are right. Among us, those who are in form , are getting dismissed after 30-40 runs, we want someone like Mendis. Someone from us has to do the job for us like Mendis. This is important for our batting," Mushtaq stated in the post-match press conference, as quoted by bdcrictime.

Mushtaq also gave full credit to the Sri Lankan performance while emphasising on the fact that Bangladesh needs to improve on their batting unit. 

"Of course, first of all, credit has to go to the Sri Lankan team. They played very positive cricket , aggressive cricket. It's disappointing for us. We started well, we could have ended the match there , but we couldn't. Credit has to go to Sri Lanka, we need to improve our batting," Ahmed said.

After losing the Test series 1-0 and the ODI series 2-1, Bangladesh now trails 0-1 in the T20 series and would like to win the second one to stay in the series. The second T20 will be played on July 13 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.