A win achieved from unexpected means always has the power to bring the team together and Rokibul Hasan believes that Bangladesh's come-from-behind win against Ireland has been a much-needed boost.
"Team spirit always grows through in these close wins. We are very confident after winning the last match," said the right-handed batsman, yesterday, who made 38 in Bangladesh's modest 205 in their second group B game of the World Cup.
The Tigers returned to training at the GP-BCB National Cricket Academy ground after a two-day break. They will take another break today before returning to the nets on Wednesday afternoon.
Last Friday, Ireland succumbed to the inspired swing bowling of Shafiul Islam who picked up four late wickets, ensuring the Tigers' first win in the tournament..
"We now know that if bowling doesn't work, our batsman can back us up and vice versa. This gives us a lot of mental strength.
"There was a time in that game when they needed less than a run a ball to win. Shafiul gave us breakthroughs in that situation, which is something we are very happy about. He completely changed the momentum," said Rokibul, who added a crucial 61-run stand for the fifth wicket with Mushfiqur Rahim after the Tigers slipped to 86 for four in the 16th over.
"We discussed the previous match, the positives, negatives and the areas where we can improve. If we could have latched on to the start given by Tamim and Imrul, we could have got 240-250. We lost quick wickets at that time; we would like to improve in that area.
"Junaed (Siddiqui) and my run-outs were costly. Both of us were batting well and if I could have added some more runs with Naeem (Islam), it would have done us a lot of good," said Rokibul, who has the enviable average of 66 from two World Cup games.
Last year had a traumatic beginning for the Jamalpur-born Rokibul who suddenly retired from international cricket after being left out by the selectors. He withdrew his decision a few months later but on his return game, Rokibul hurt his foot during a fine 76 in England.
Now in a new role as the team's No 6 batsman (where he averages 32.42 from nine innings), Rokibul says he likes the responsibility but hasn't yet got the real taste of batting at this position.
"I am really enjoying batting at the position. It is something I am doing for the team. I haven't got that much opportunity but I would like to utilize it whenever I do," he said.
"I prepared myself to bat at 6 after I was informed to bat during the Powerplays," added Rokibul.
