Mashrafe Mortaza steps down as Bangladesh's ODI captain
Mashrafe Mortaza has confirmed that he will step down as Bangladesh's ODI captain following the ongoing series against Zimbabwe. On announcing his decision, the 36-year-old stated that he wants to pass on the baton. This comes after Bangladesh won the second ODI against Zimbabwe by four runs to gain an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Here is more.
Mortaza will play his last ODI as captain against Zimbabwe
According to the BCB chief Nazmul Hasan, Mortaza's selection as a player for future tournaments will be subject to his beep test results. Nazmul also believes that the decision has been taken with an eye on building a core for the 2023 World Cup. The third ODI against Zimbabwe will be the last for Mortaza as the Bangladesh captain.
Mortaza has been instrumental in Bangladesh's ODI success
Often touted as the best captain of Bangladesh, Mortaza was first named captain in 2010. However, his momentary stints were often trimmed, owing to injuries. While Mortaza took over as captain in 2014 again, he led Bangladesh to their first-ever knockout appearance in the World Cup 2015. He further extended the run as Bangladesh qualified for the semi-final of the 2017 Champions Trophy.
Mortaza won 49 ODIs as a Bangladesh skipper
Under Mortaza, the Bangladesh cricket rose to prominence in the white-ball format. His breakthrough series as a skipper came in 2015 when Bangladesh trounced a star-studded Indian side 2-1 in the home ODI series. He also led Bangladesh to two Asia Cup finals in 2016 and 2018 respectively. Overall, Bangladesh won a record 49 ODIs and lost 36 under his command.
Bangladesh will look to rout Zimbabwe 3-0
Hosts Bangladesh thrashed Zimbabwe in the only Test by an innings and 106 runs. They followed it up by winning the first ODI by a mammoth 169 runs. However, the second ODI was a close affair as Zimbabwe fell short of four runs to chase 323 posted by Bangladesh. The two teams will now lock horns in the third ODI in Sylhet.
