Bangladesh have been knocked out of the World Cup 2023 semi-finals race after losing 6 out of 7 games.
Opting to bat first, Bangladesh’s innings folded for a below-par 204 in 45.1 overs. It was a listless batting display as no one managed to play a big knock. Mahmudullah was the top scorer with 56.
In reply, Pakistan overhauled the target without breaking a sweat in 32.3 overs. The duo of Fakhar Zaman (81) and Abdullah Shafique (68) set the tone with an opening stand of 128 runs while Mohammad Rizwan (26*) and Iftikhar Ahmed (17*) stayed till the end to seal the deal.
Speaking after the match, Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan conceded that they did not put enough runs on the board while also crediting Pakistan for the way they bowled.
“Not enough runs, the wicket was really good, we lost early wickets again. There were some partnerships, but not big partnerships. We were disappointing with the bat. Credit should go to Pakistan, the way they bowled and the way they batted in the first 10 overs,” said Shakib at the post-match presentation.
The Bangladesh captain further stated that he will have to think about his batting position since the top four batters aren’t making big runs.
Shakib scored 43 off 64 balls while batting at No. 6 versus Pakistan at the Eden Gardens.
“We'll have to think about that. We are not getting many runs from the top four batsmen. I was batting in the top four, I wasn't scoring. My confidence was low too. Luckily I got some runs, felling better now. At this moment, changing too many things gets difficult,” he added.
Having lost six of their seven games, Bangladesh are placed ninth in the World Cup 2023 points table and Shakib said the team needs collective performances to bounce back in the remaining games.
“We have to keep moving forward. We have to perform together. We need collective performance, which is not happening. Two more matches, hopefully we can bounce back. Everywhere we go, they (fans) keep supporting us. We have to give something back to them so they can smile,” said Shakib.
Bangladesh’s next match is scheduled against Sri Lanka at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on November 5.