Siddons delighted with win

19 March 2008

Jamie Siddons © Getty Images

Bangladesh coach Jamie Siddons was pleased his side shunned the “entertainment factor” on Tuesday to beat Ireland in the opening one-day international.

The Tigers recorded an eight-wicket win in the first of the three-match series after they successfully chased down their victory target of 186 with 61 balls to spare.

The win ended Bangladesh’s run of 14 consecutive defeats, while it was also their first triumph under skipper Mohammad Ashraful, who scored 64 not out.

Opening batsman Shahriar Nafees also starred with the bat as he guided the team to victory with an unbeaten 90, while Mashrafe Mortaza took three wickets for 22.

Siddons believes his side are capable of delivering similar results more often if they avoid playing to the crowd.

“In the past I think we were more worried about entertaining the crowd rather than winning matches,” he told www.tigercricket.com.

“I want to see a team which wins and is competitive and that will entertain the crowd.

“If we had won and not stuck to the team rules then I would have been very upset. I am pleased with our overall performance and it was good to see the boys applying some of the things I am trying to instil in them.”

The 43-year-old has also warned his charges that Ireland captain Trent Johnston and his men would be better prepared for Thursday’s second ODI in Dhaka.

Siddons said: “They (Ireland) will have a better idea about the conditions and the wickets after this match and if we don’t raise our game and not follow the team rules then they can beat us. They are a determined bunch and good competition to have.”

The final match in the series will be played on Saturday.