The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Bangladesh skipper Mohammad Ashraful Friday said they could not put up a good show even in the 3rd match of the Warid ODI Series against South Africa due to irresponsible batting by his batsmen.

"The scorecard (batting) suggests it was a very bad day for us and this happened due to our irresponsible batting," Ashraful told a post-match press briefing.

Bangladesh were outplayed by 7 wickets to concede a 0-3 sweep against Proteas at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium (SBNS).

"My confidence level is not down and the captaincy isn't creating any pressure on my batting. I just couldn't score runs…couldn't play a big innings," the Bangladesh skipper said in response to a query.

Asked to evaluate the performance of the hosts in the series, the top-order right-hand batsman said, "We dominated the game in the first two days of the first test and once were in a position to win the match. But, the visitors were even better to win the first and the 2nd test matches."

"In ODIs there could have been a good fight had the batsmen been able to put up good scores in our condition," he added.

Replying to another query, Ahraful said they are trying to build a new side eyeing the 2011 World Cup and that is why four new players were given the opportunity to make their debut.

The out-of-form Bangladesh skipper, who fetched 36 runs in his last five innings, expressed his optimism to show a good result in the upcoming three-match home series against Ireland, arriving here Saturday.

On the other hand, jubilant Proteas skipper Graeme Smith, whose side today overlapped Australia to grab the number 1 ODI spot said, "Obviously winning both the test and ODI series is a great feeling. We started in Pakistan with a successful tour in the subcontinent and then here (Bangladesh). We played some outstanding cricket and as a team we showed a little bit of character."

Asked about the performance of the Bangladesh team, Smith said, "As a player you have to play with responsibility. Two of my young players -- De Villiers and JP Duminy -- who are under 24 batted with responsibility to earn the victory in the 2nd ODI. But, a number of Bangladesh players, who have experiences of playing more matches than these two, didn't bat with responsibility."

About crossing the 5000-run mark, the in-form captain said, "If you achieve 5000 runs in both forms of the game (ODI and test) you should feel proud. I'm very happy, I have been captaining the side for the last five years and it means a lot to me. Still there are many things left, which I want to achieve. "

The left-hand opening batsman told a questioner that if Bangladesh had put up 220-230, it would have been very difficult for them, especially in the afternoon. "All the credit goes to my bowlers and batsmen."

Man of the match Albie Morkel, who claimed 4 wickets for 29 runs to devastate the host innings today, said, "Obviously, I'm happy. I tried to bowl with a straighter line and put the batsmen under pressure."