Shakib Al Hasan-led Bangladesh suffered a demoralising 149-run loss to South Africa despite Mahmudullah’s spirited 111-run knock at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. After their fourth loss of World Cup 2023, they slipped to the bottom of the table with a net run rate (NRR) just inferior to defending champions England. Bangladesh have a bleak chance of making it to the semi-final which involves lots of ifs and buts. Shakib understands it and feels that finishing fifth and sixth will be the team’s goal if they can’t make it to the last four.
“Long way to go in this tournament, anything can happen. Lot to be learnt, and lot to play for. Will love to finish 5-6 if not in the semis. We're not playing like a team that can do it, but hope to finish stronger,” Shakib said in the post-match presentation.
Mahmudullah scored his third century in World Cups, most by a Bangladesh batter in the tournament history. Shakib was asked about why Mahmudullah continues to bat down the order despite possessing immense talent and experience at big stage.
“Has been lot of talking about whether Mushfiq and Mahmudullah should bat higher. But the role they have, they're doing very well. Our top four batters need to do well,” the all-rounder clarified.
Shakib blamed their bowling in the second half of South Africa’s innings for the massive defeat.
“We bowled first 25 overs well. We got three wickets, they were going at about 5 an over. From there they kicked on. Quinton batted really well, and the way Klaasen finished was something we didn't have any answer to. On a ground like this it can happen but we should've bowled better. Lost the game in the last 10 overs,” said the 36-year-old.
Shakib was unimpressive with both bat and ball. He ran out of ideas as Quinton de Kock, and Heinrich Klaasen hit them in all parts of the ground. The left-arm spinner managed to take the wicket of South Africa captain Aiden Markram but conceded 69 runs from the nine overs he bowled. In the run chase of 383, he got out for a single-digit score to Lizaad Williams.
Bangladesh will go up against the Netherlands in their next clash at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on October 28.
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