As T20 World Champions England suffered a rare clean sweep in three-T20I series at the hands of Shakib Al Hasan-led Bangladesh, skipper Jos Buttler was not happy with his intent while running between the wickets which led to his run out that tilted the game in hosts’ favour.
England were cruising towards the target when Mustafizur Rahman got the wicket of opener Dawid Malan. On the next ball, Buttler got run out as Mehidy Hasan’s direct hit caught him short of the crease. The two quick wickets change the course of the game as Bangladesh tightened the screws in slog overs and won the game comfortably by 16 runs.
“Really disappointing to lose the series, congratulations to Bangladesh, they outplayed us completely. We came back well (at the death), we missed some opportunities in the field which is disappointing. The wicket got better as it went on and I thought we did well to restrict them to the total we did. We hoped we could chase it down but it didn't happen. Losing two wickets quickly was crucial. Very disappointed in myself for not diving and being fully committed to completing that run,” Buttler said in the post-match presentation.
Buttler and Malan shared a 95-run partnership for the second wicket. Buttler scored 40 runs from 31 deliveries whereas Malan top-scored with a 47-ball 53.
This is the first time in nine years England have been clean swept in a T20I series by a team. Only Australia managed to do it in 2014 under the leadership of George Bailey.
“We were really good in this series and fielded exceptionally well and that was a major change. There's a World Cup next year and we can build on this victory. We batted really well on a tricky wicket and we didn't know what was a good total. Litton and Rony started well and Shanto finished it off. The two set batters got out in two balls and that changed the game completely, Mustafizur was exceptional with the ball. That will be another challenge for us. Ireland are a very good side in the T20 format,” Shakib said after his side’s resounding win over England.
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