Shanto proud of Bangladesh's character despite final ODI defeat

Bangladesh finally claimed the series 2-1 after securing 86 runs and five-wicket win on DLS method in the first two matches.

Shanto praised his players for their fighting spirit, particularly the way they fought back in the closing stages of the third match. 

"I'm really proud of the boys," he said. "Especially today, the way we came back strongly in the last few overs. That's what we need - the character where everyone believes we can come back anytime."

The skipper felt Bangladesh's total of 275 was competitive, crediting Towhid Hridoy and Mosaddek Hossain Saikot for their crucial partnership, but admitted the hosts failed to take enough wickets during the middle overs.

"I think 275 was a brilliant score. But if you look at our spin bowling in the middle overs, we didn't get enough wickets and that cost us the match," he said.

Shanto reserved special praise for pacer Shoriful Islam, who returned to the side after missing the previous two matches and delivered an impressive spell.

"He showed a lot of character. It's not easy to come back after missing two games, but he bowled brilliantly with the new ball, in the middle overs and at the death," Shanto said.
 
Despite the series triumph, the captain insisted Bangladesh still have areas to improve.

"There is a very healthy competition in the dressing room, which is why we are getting results. But I believe we still need to improve in a lot of areas," he added.

Meanwhile, series Most Valuable Player Hridoy said he was delighted to receive the top individual award and stressed the importance of playing on batting-friendly wickets to raise Bangladesh's standards.

"The wicket was very good, a high-scoring wicket. If we want to perform at a higher level, we should play on this kind of wicket more often," Hridoy said.

Player of the Series Mosaddek described his successful return to the national team as a privilege after a lengthy absence, reports UNB.

"I was waiting for the opportunity and felt privileged to contribute for the team after such a long time," he said.

Mosaddek also believed Bangladesh fell slightly short with the bat.

"I felt we were 15 to 20 runs short, but at the end of the day Australia batted really well too," he added.