Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer criticized the experienced players, particularly Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim, for their rash shot selection in the must-win game against New Zealand. Both batters fell cheaply, leaving Bangladesh five down by the 27th over, making their total far from competitive.

“We’ve only seen Shakib Al Hasan deliver consistently in ICC tournaments, like in the 2019 World Cup. But others just don’t turn up. Whether it’s pressure or something else, it’s the same story in every ICC event,” Jaffer said on ESPNcricinfo.

Mahmudullah, who had delivered match-winning performances in past ICC events, missed the first game due to injury and failed to contribute in the second. Jaffer believed Bangladesh fell at least 50–60 runs short on a Rawalpindi pitch that was good for batting.

Shane Bond, the former New Zealand fast bowler, also pointed out that while Bangladesh’s bowling attack showed promise, their batting remained a major weakness. Missed chances in the field further compounded their problems, allowing Rachin Ravindra to capitalize on dropped catches and missed run-out opportunities.

“If Bangladesh had taken their chances, the game could have been completely different. Their bowling has potential, but their batting is a real issue,” Bond remarked.

With another ICC event ending in disappointment, Bangladesh will need to rethink their approach, especially how their senior players handle pressure on the big stage.

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Mushfiqur Rahim, who was named “Man of the Match” for his 191 runs against Pakistan in the first Test at Rawalpindi, decided to donate his prize money to help the flood victims in Bangladesh.

“I want to announce that I’m donating my prize money because of the floods happening back in Bangladesh,” Rahim said after Bangladesh’s 10-wicket win over Pakistan, their first victory against Pakistan in Test cricket.

Bangladesh started the match strong, reducing Pakistan to 16 for 3 on the first day. But Pakistan fought back, with Saud Shakeel scoring 141 and Mohammad Rizwan making 171. Pakistan declared their innings at 448 for 6.

Bangladesh, fielding an all-pace attack for the first time in 28 years, replied with 565 runs, taking a 117-run lead. Mushfiqur Rahim’s impressive 191, along with fifties from Shadman Islam (93) and Mehidy Hasan (77), put Bangladesh in control.

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On the final day, Pakistan collapsed from 23 for 1 to 104 for 5, with spinners Mehidy Hasan and Shakib Al Hasan taking seven wickets to bowl them out for just 146.

Bangladesh’s openers quickly chased down the remaining 30 runs to win.

This was Bangladesh’s first win over Pakistan in 14 Test matches. Previously, they had lost 12 and drawn one since their first match in 2001. Bangladesh has now beaten 9 out of the 11 Test-playing nations, with only India and South Africa left to beat.

When Sri Lanka scored 255 runs in the first ODI at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, they felt confident they could defend it.

At first, Sri Lankan bowlers did well, taking early wickets and putting pressure on Bangladesh. But then Najmul Hossain Shanto came in to bat, and things changed. He and Mahmadullah put up a good partnership, bringing momentum back to Bangladesh.

Though Mahmadullah got out after scoring 37, Najmul Hossain Shanto kept going strong, leading Bangladesh to victory with a six-wicket win.

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Shanto played a brilliant innings, scoring 122 runs unbeaten, with support from Mushfiqur Rahim, who scored 73 not out. They took control of the game, hitting boundaries and running well between the wickets.

Rahim praised Shanto’s leadership and batting skills, saying that being captain brings out the best in him. He believed Shanto’s mentality and ability to take responsibility made him a great player.