Published: 09:16 AM, 04 May 2026
Lower order collapse a growing concern for Bangladesh, says Liton
TowhidHridoy top-scored with 33 and was adjudged the player of the series .-BCB
Bangladesh captain Liton Das has admitted that the team's persistent struggles with lower-order batting remain a major concern after their recent T20 series against the New Zealand.
Speaking at the post-match press conference following the series decider, Liton said Bangladesh are not getting the expected contributions from their lower-order batters, an issue that has repeatedly hurt the side in modern T20 cricket.
Bangladesh were once again exposed in the final match when a top-order collapse left the middle and lower order with the task of rebuilding. Despite some resistance, the team failed to recover, highlighting the lack of finishing ability down the order.
"In modern T20s, you cannot rely only on the top order," Liton said. "When they fail, the lower order must take responsibility. There was an opportunity today, but again it did not happen."
Bangladesh eventually lost the rain-truncated game by wickets as New Zealand levelled the series, following a same-margin defeat in the first T20. The second game was washed out.
The hosts were bowled out for 102 in 14.2 overs after losing last seven wickets for 39 and in 35 balls and that collapse proved to be decisive.
Liton pointed out that all-rounders like MahediHasan, RishadHossain and Mohammad Saifuddin are expected to contribute with the bat, especially in pressure situations.
However, their returns were modest, with the trio managing just 12 runs combined in today's match.
Liton also stressed the balance required in T20 cricket, noting that teams cannot afford to reduce their bowling strength to accommodate extra batters.
"You need at least five bowlers. So the players who bat at seven or below must be able to deliver," he said.
While acknowledging the issue, the Bangladesh skipper said there is no immediate solution. He added that the coaching staff are working extensively with the lower-order players, but translating practice performances into match situations remains a challenge.
"There is a big difference between nets and matches. If they can perform in games, confidence will grow," Liton said.
With major tournaments like ICC T20 World Cup approaching, Bangladesh face increasing pressure to address their lower-order frailties, which could prove decisive against stronger opposition, Liton said.
"The lower order failure could put an adverse impact on us in the big tournaments. So we need to fix the issues as early as possible," he concluded.
Earlier, Bangladesh's innings was disrupted by rain after New Zealand opted to field first. The interruption lasted more than two hours, reducing the match to 15 overs per side.
Before the rain, Bangladesh had slipped to 50-3 in 6.4 overs, losing their first three wickets in the space of 14 balls. The hosts failed to recover after the restart, adopting an overly aggressive approach that backfired as they lost their last seven wickets for 39 runs in 35 balls to be bowled out for 102 in 14.2 overs.
TowhidHridoy top-scored with 33, while Liton Das made 26 and Saif Hassan contributed 16 runs. No other batter reached double figures.
