BSS, Sylhet :
There was never doubt over the amount of talent of Liton Das but during the most part of his little career, he failed to translate it into his batting.
On most of the occasion, he threw his good start, much to the disappointment of the fans and the team management.
However on Sunday, he showed what he is able to do if he doesn’t throw his start. His 126 off 105, which helped Bangladesh win the first ODI against Zimbabwe by a record 169-run, was the epitome of class and grace that would surely go down in the history of Bangladesh cricket as one of the most beautiful century. It was his only second ton in ODI cricket after his classic 121 runs against India in the final of Asia Cup in 2018.
A muscle strain forced him to retire but never for once it was looking like the Zimbabwe bowlers could get him out. During the knock, he not only punished the bowlers with utter disdain but also rotated the strike such beautifully that Tamim’s slower knock at other end didn’t make any impact on the scoreboard.
He looked clearly hungry for big score in the first match, a thing that also pleased the Bangladesh’s batting consultant Neil McKenzie, who said the opener would get more centuries if he continues in such vein.
“I think he is probably better one to say what he’s done but I think he is just matured, he is taking responsibility,” Mckenzie said here on Monday ahead of Bangladesh’s optional practice session.
“He just made his second hundred and he looks very hungry. The way he is thinking about the game, is really pleasing and I hope he will get lot more hundreds.”
McKenzie though said Liton is the better one to say what he has done to get that big score, he also worked with Liton intensively ahead of this series. He was seen to bring some technical adjustments to his batting.
Liton basically reaped the rewards of working hard according to McKenzie’s suggestion.
“I think in terms of batting he is trying to get into best position as it is possible so you can have a good defence, and play some attacking shots, I think he sets bat in good position,” he disclosed the technical aspect that Liton worked to hone.
McKenzie further said the good thing in Liton Das is that when the bowlers bowled well, he gave them the respect but never stopped taking singles to keep the scoreboard moving.
“His strength mainly lying if he gets a bad ball, he jumps on and is really positive for bad balls and if it’s good ball he obviously gives it respect and still looking for to rotate strike. The boy has done lot of work. He got a good hundred, big hundred to put Bangladesh in winning position,” he concluded.
