We haven't nailed the perfect performance yet: Tamim

Bangladesh's skipper Tamim Iqbal plays a shot during the second one-day international (ODI) cricket match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on 25 May, 2021AFP

A complete team effort saw Bangladesh defeat Sri Lanka by 103 runs (DLS method) in the second ODI on Tuesday and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. Skipper Tamim Iqbal wants the team to try and nail the “perfect game”.

While Mushfiqur Rahim smashed a gutsy ton, Mehidy Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman picked three wickets each to ensure the hosts stole the show in the second game.

Speaking after the game, Bangladesh skipper Tamim Iqbal said there are still a few areas that need to be worked on to become an even better ODI outfit.

"Lucky to win two games. We haven't played the perfect game yet, we lost a lot of wickets in the middle, and even 200 was looking difficult, but Mahmudullah and Mushy played very well. We got a fighting total, but I think our bowling was special. Taskin was asked to come on short notice, and Mehidy bowled well.

Bangladesh's Mushfiqur Rahim (R) successfully appeals to the umpire for a LBW decision against Sri Lanka's Dhananjaya de Silva during the second one-day international (ODI) cricket match against Sri Lanka at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on 25 May, 2021
AFP

"Our bowling and fielding was great today, but we haven't nailed the perfect performance yet. We had to step up in our fielding and take the catches we didn't take, those will change games, and if we take those then I'll be a happy captain," he explained.

Sri Lanka captain Kusal Perera made his displeasure known. "It's very disappointing. Both matches, the middle-order collapsed and lack of experience cost us. We need to have a serious talk. They have to back and believe in their strength and play fearless cricket," he said.

The two teams will now clash in the third and final ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Friday.