Ace Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan said the entire team was badly hurt by the shocking defeat against Scotland in their opening match in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2021 and he admitted that the loss was in their minds when the Tigers played Oman on Tuesday (October 19).
He further conceded that Bangladesh found it hard to control their nerves against Oman, as they were in the same situation on Tuesday as against Scotland, but they managed to really tighten their game to beat the T20 World Cup 2021 co-hosts by 26 runs in their second match.
The all-rounder Bangladesh is now much relieved after their 26-run win over Oman while crediting Mohammad Saifuddin and Mahedi Hasan's economical bowling to avoid further embarrassment in the tournament, saying those overs were the turning point of the game for the side.
Shakib said during the post-match press conference: “Well when we were playing the last game against Scotland, we needed 86 runs in the last 10 overs. They (Oman) needed 84 runs today (Monday) in the last 10 overs. We had to do our basics right, and we knew what ball we should bowl on that track. So I think the bowlers adjusted really well, and that paid off.”
He further added, “I think the win is certainly relieving and I feel the atmosphere in the dressing room will be better after this win. I think the bowling of Saifuddin and Mahedi was the turning point as they probably had given less than 30 runs to bring us back in the game.”
Oman played good cricket. They were in the game for the most part. But we held our nerves. Credit to go to Oman the way they're playing. They're playing with a lot of heart. This win will settle our nerves.”
On their 6-run loss to Scotland, the all-rounder said: “It hurt the whole team. We were not expecting it. But should give credit to Scotland. They were very confident before the game. It was pretty tough because the Scotland loss was hurting us.”
He signed off by saying on the support from the fans, “I think India and Pakistan, most places we go, we find this sort of crowd. They (fans) keep on supporting us no matter what. Thanks to them. They were there supporting. I hope they'll continue their support.”
(With IANS Inputs)
