Phil Simmons Acknowledges Gurbaz-Omarzai Partnership

Phil Simmons, the Bangladesh head coach, praised the century partnership between Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Azmatullah Omarzai for setting up Afghanistan's series-clinching victory in the third ODI in Sharjah.

Key Stats

• Gurbaz scored 101 runs.
• Omarzai scored 70* runs.

Phil Simmons' Quotes

Phil Simmons felt the pitch for the third ODI was a much better surface compared to the first two matches. He praised Nahid Rana for his debut ODI performance, removing Sediqullah Atal and Gulbadin Naib. Simmons also praised Mahmudullah for his run-a-ball 98 and the 145-run fifth wicket stand with Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

Future Tour

Bangladesh will be touring West Indies, starting on November 22, for a two-Test series, followed by three ODIs and as many T20Is. Simmons expressed his expectations for the upcoming tour and highlighted the challenges that the team might face.

Quoted

"Rana bowled exceptionally well today. You cannot buy pace. You can't teach people to be quick. That's natural for Rana. We will try to nurture it as much as possible. He is an exciting talent as he has an attitude towards bowling fast."

"I thought it was an excellent innings (from Mahmudullah). He went a bit too early in the first two games. Today he took his time. Once he got in, he scored easily."

"I expect the cricket to be just as difficult as the two Tests against South Africa and this series. I think we play in similar conditions in St Kitts for the ODIs."