Bangladesh skipper – Mahmudullah on Wednesday blamed his team’s inability to build partnerships for their 17-run defeat to India in the fifth match of theNidahas Tri Series. 

On 14 March, Bangladesh won the toss and Mahmudullah asked India to bat first. Though the Men in Blue started slowly but picked up the scoring rate as Rohit Sharma (89) and Shikhar Dhawan added 70 runs in 9.5 overs before Dhawan was bowled by Rubel Hossain for 35 runs.

Later, Suresh Raina (47 off 30 balls; 5 fours and 2 sixes) joined the skipper Rohit and the duo scored 102 runs in the next 10 overs to help India to post 176/3 on the board.

In reply, chasing 177, Bangladesh needed a good start but Washington Sundar (3/22) put his best to make things tricky for the Tigers.

Although, Mushfiqur Rahim (72* off 55 balls; 8 fours and 1 six) tried his best to keep Bangladesh in the chase, but their failure to build a strong partnership costs the match them, eventually they lost the match by just 17-runs against India.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Mahmudullah said, “The effort was there. A bit disappointed though; had someone stood up and made 20-30 quick runs it could have made a difference with Mushy. The chase was on; we needed a good flying start.”

He further added, “But we lost wickets early and didn't get the momentum we needed. We also could have conceded 10 lesser runs and that could have made the difference. The plan was to take the pace off the ball and stick to your strengths as a bowler, but they didn't execute that well.”

 India have booked their berth for the final with Wednesday’s win. However,  Bangladesh will face Sri Lanka in a must-win T20I on 16 March as they have to beat the hosts to see themselves in the Tri-series final.

Mahmudullah signed off by saying, “Looking forward to the next game, the good thing is that we have a chance to prove ourselves and we need to do it.”