Bangladesh coach satisfied with progress

DHAKA, Dec 29 (Reuters) Bangladesh coach Dav Whatmore praised his team's performance in one day internationals in 2006 but said he would have liked some wins over the world's leading sides.

Bangladesh won 18 of 28 ODIs this year, third behind only Australia (20) and Sri Lanka (19).

''It is a good feeling. I think it is a good reflection of the sort of cricket we have been playing,'' said Whatmore.

During the year Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka and a depleted Zimbabwe, while the other wins came against minor sides such as Kenya and Scotland.

''It would have been perfect should we manage to get a few more wins against the stronger sides. But we make the best we can with what we got,'' he said.

Whatmore took control of Bangladesh in the aftermath of a disastrous World Cup in 2003 when they lost all six games, including one against Canada.

Bangladesh lost all their tests in 2006, but came close to shocking Australia at Fatullah when only centuries from Adam Gilchrist and Ricky Ponting saved them from an embarrassing defeat.

REUTERS AY PM1402