Bangladesh will take on South Africa in the first ODI of the three-match series on Friday at the Sher-e-Bangla International Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka. After being trounced in the two-match Twenty20 (T20) series, the hosts would look to turn the wheels of fortune in their favour against the Proteas.
Bangladesh and South Africa will be playing the first ODI of the series with a set of new rules that has been put into effect by ICC a few days ago. According to the new rules, the batting powerplay has been done away with and the fielding captain can have five fielders outside the 30-yard circle during the slog overs that is from overs 41-50. Free hits will be awarded for all no-balls bowled during the matches (both for heights and for overstepping).
Bangladesh skipper felt that the new rules have brought some relief to the bowlers. They can relax a bit during the slog overs as they will have the luxury of an extra fielder outside the ring in the last 10 overs.
"I don't see any reason for bowlers to be so happy. It is still a batsman's game. Still, it is better than before. There is some relief for the bowlers. There is no benefit unless wickets are changed. The world over, ODI wickets are purely for batting. There's nothing for the bowlers. Bats are ultra-modern too, making it tougher for bowlers," Mortaza said in an interview to BDNews24.com.
"I can't just think about the bowlers being a bowler myself. As a captain I have to think about the batsmen too. Their advantage has reduced. Previously, I used to think a bit more, like who will open the bowling, who will bowl in the batting power-play or in the last 10 overs. There used to be a lot of calculations. Now there is less to think about. Whether to place a close-in fielder or not, will depend on the situation. I usually want to keep a slip or a close-in fielder," he added.
