Bangladesh's veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan was disappointed after the 50-run loss to Rohit Sharma's India at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua on June 22. Bangladesh got rid of big guns in the top order but Hardik Pandya's unbeaten half-century helped India set a target of 197. Shakib feels that the Bangladesh bowlers lacked the basic as they failed to put pressure on Indian batters.
"Well obviously, when you are playing against a team like Australia and India, you have to bring your A game. I think we are lacking in those skill and strength areas. Also, I would say we couldn't do the basic thing longer enough to be able to create any sort of pressure. And throughout this World Cup, as a batting unit, I don't think we did justify to ourselves. I think we had the potential to score big runs. The last two games we played here was very good. Wicket probably 175-185 is the par score," Shakib said in the post-match press conference.
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Bangladesh's semifinal hopes shattered
Bangladesh lost to Australia and India at the Super 8 stage and are all but out of the semifinal race. Shakib did not want to rely on permutations or combinations either and wants to focus on the game against Afghanistan as an opportunity to get a win. The last Super 8 stage at Arnos Vale Ground, St Vincent will also be Shakib’s last T20 World Cup match.
"To be honest, I don't think we have a chance to play the semi-final anymore after today's loss. But having said that, the next game will be an opportunity for us to get a win on our belt before we finish up this tournament. We'd love to finish this tournament on a high. We have to face Afghanistan, which is a very good side. So, we have to be at our best to be able to win against them," said the 37-year-old.
Shakib's unique milestone
Despite the defeat and an expensive spell of 37 runs from three overs, Shakib achieved a personal milestone. With the wicket of Rohit, he became the first to take 50 wickets in T20 World Cups. Against Afghanistan, he would have the opportunity to complete 150 wickets in T20Is.
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