DHAKA — Bangladesh can win its first ever series against India with victory Sunday in the second One-Day International. Emboldened by its thumping 79-run win over India in the first ODI — its biggest margin of victory against the tourists — Bangladesh is confident of sealing the three-match series at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. “I won't say we are favorites, but we are confident about the series,” Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha said. “What we are doing is we are playing aggressive cricket.” India was unable to cope with fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman whose offcutter proved to be decisive in the first ODI. Mustafizur returned figures of 5-50 to become the second Bangladesh bowler to take five-for on his debut. He ripped through the middle order after Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan gave their side a solid start, sharing 95 runs. “For Mustafizur, it's going to be a challenge going forward because people will get to know him and try to respect him a little more,” Hathurusingha said. “We still can improve, not only batting we can improve in our fielding and bowling execution as well.” Bangladesh, who beat Pakistan 3-0 in their previous series, started well, putting 102 runs in 13.4 overs before a middle-order collapse stemmed the run flow. “I think we played much better against Pakistan, some of the matches. So I think we are looking to improve in the next two games,” said Hathurusinghe. India has to play its best cricket if is to come back in the series, said batsman Rohit Sharma. “They are playing some good cricket off late,” said Rohit. “We can't take any team for granted. With the current form with them, we have to be at our best. “From our point of view it's very important that we stick to our game plan.” Rohit top-scored for India with 63 in the first match as the visitors floundered to 228 all out, replying to Bangladesh's 307 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. “We knew what went wrong in the first match. We will think about it and when we come back and play the second ODI it will be a different Indian side. “We have got certain plans coming their way, hopefully we will try and execute those plans and things will work in our favor then. The Indian opener — the only player to score two double centuries in ODI cricket — added that despite being behind in the series they are not feeling any pressure. “There is no pressure. We just need to come and play the way we have been playing,” he said. “We just have to get our basics right and be a little more aggressive. “This is the same Indian team that played in the World Cup, so I don't see any reason why we cannot change the results in our favor.” “You can't just keep bowling the same length again and again. We have to be aggressive — aggressive means we don't mind bowling bouncers at them whenever it's required,” Sharma said. Much more is expected of India's middle order. “Partnerships have always been the key in any format,” Sharma said. “Our main aim will be to build big partnerships.” The third and final ODI will be held at the same ground in Mirpur June 24. — Agencies
